A TRADERS' chief says changes must be made to the car parking system in Ellesmere Port after a farmer's market turned its back on the town.

Brian Hannaway, secretary of Ellesmere Port Market Traders' Federation, says farmers refused to turn up on Saturday because of the current conditions.

He also believes shoppers are put off visiting the town because of the council's four-hour parking limit.

Mr Hannaway claims he was informed by council officers that the policy is due to a development agreement.

He said: 'Over the past few years the town centre has had the pleasure of a farmer's market in the third week of each month.

'But they refused to visit our town on Saturday with many informing me that they cannot carry out their business under the current car parking arrangements.

'Many of them leave stock and valuables in their cars and vans and they are not prepared to leave them in the Wellington Road car park.

'Lots of shoppers no longer visit the town for various reasons. I feel it's time we started encouraging them back. Let's show the town has a great deal to offer and not just the threat of a £40 fine for overstaying your welcome.'

He added: 'Shoppers and visitors should feel at ease when they come here and not like they're on a curfew.

'I would like to appeal to the new Labour leadership to look at new ways of dealing with car parking in the town centre. I cannot think of any other town in the region where the council dictates to the people how long they may stay in the town centre.'

Labour council leader Justin Madders said he is working with Mr Hannaway and was looking into the feasibility of making possible changes to the current system.

The borough council's parking services unit did not wish to comment.