FEARS that pub revellers and late night shoppers could be driven out of Bromsgrove emerged this week after the Advertiser/Messenger discovered that the council may extend evening car parking charge times and introduce new charges on a Sunday.

The controversial proposals, contained in Bromsgrove District Council's forward plan, are due to be discussed at a council meeting in January and could move charging times from 7pm to 9pm during the week and also introduce a Sunday charge.

Traders have been left fearing the worst for their businesses with the possibility that residents will leave the town's shops in search of other places with free parking.

If council chiefs give the proposals the go-ahead in January, car park charging times would have been hiked twice within a year, with times already being extended from 5pm to 7pm this April.

ASDA's general store manager Ian Breakspear said he was very concerned about the possible changes.

"I'd imagine ASDA will be quite badly affected if the changes do take place because we get a lot of customers during the week after 7pm and on a Sunday, who currently don't have to pay for parking."

BroMark chairman, Anita Mears, said: "We were dismayed to hear that there may be plans to extend car park charging hours.

"The Market Hall enjoys many Sunday activities with antiques and craft fairs.

"By imposing Sunday car parking charges it will possibly deter visitors from Bromsgrove and no doubt those businesses that stay open later during the week will also be badly affected."

Bromsgrove District Council leader, Cllr Nick Psirides (Con, Norton) said: "When we extended the hours earlier on in the year we also considered Sunday charges.

"At the time officers recommended the times to be extended to 9pm but we extended them to 7pm and said we would have an end-of-year report.

"We are now studying that report and will make a decision in due course."