'Many have expressed their concern' - Staff and customers at popular cafe respond to new Wolverhampton parking charges
On the day revised parking charges came into force, as Wolverhampton Council looks to generate additional revenue to cope with savings of up to £33m it needs to make, we spoke to people about the effect on businesses in the area.
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Popping into Tunwalls English Kitchen in Victoria Street, owner Caitlin-Jayne Stackhouse said she felt footfall at the tea-room would decrease but was concerned at the timing of the move, in the run up to Christmas.
She is part of the West Side Traders Group, which was also represented by Andrew Bradley from the independent shop Faith, Hope and Charity in nearby Salop Street.
Caitlin said: "It seems to be one thing after another we are having to cope with as first it was the pedestrianisation issue just outside which we were given very little notice of and now the increase in the parking charges which also seem to have come in overnight.
"I think the footfall around here will definitely decrease because we see people who shop for longer in the city centre come in here for lunch or a drink, they might go out to the likes of Wednesfield or Bilston where the parking is cheaper or free for a certain time and we need to bring more people into the city centre.
"At the moment the busiest day is Saturdays, particularly when Wolves are at home like on Saturday and the parking charges will probably depend for football fans on what time the kick of is.
"Of course we have our regular customers as well, many of whom have expressed their concern as well and on a personal level as well it will cost me a lot of money to park, up to 60 a week as I am in the city centre at 8am and here till after four or sometimes 5pm.
