Medway businesses fear customers could be lost over parking cost increase

Businesses in Medway have told us they could lose customers due to an increase in parking costs.

From today, all parking across the towns will go up by 60p meaning, for example, a one to two-hour stay will cost £2.90 rather than £2.30.

Kim McGrane works at Tick Tocks café in Rainham, where it will now cost the public £1.90 to park for 30 minutes, instead of £1.30

She said: "We do have a lot of regular customers coming in who have said they don't think they will be able to afford the charges everyday.

"It's going to impact a lot of businesses, and there a lot in Rainham who are already struggling so I feel little places such as ours will slowly disappear."

Another businesses, Scott's flowers, shares the same fears and Caroline Cobb, the owner said: "We've got lot of shops shutting, the footfall is falling and the whole of the precinct is getting worryingly quite.

"I feel let down by the council, the cost of living is as bad as what it is and they are still increasing the price of parking, maybe I shall retire earlier than what I thought!"

The Public had split opinion, Simone said: "I appreciate it will be difficult for people but I suppose people have to expect that things are going to cost more.

While Coral said: "It's ridiculous, I'm a pensioner that still pays income tax, I'm 77 years old, do they want me in my grave?!"

Medway Council have been contacted for a response.