A SHOPKEEPER has seen her weekday trade slump by more than 90 per cent since the parking charges came in.

“It started as soon as the parking rises took effect,” said Theresa Wood of The Strawberry Fox, which sells glamorous, upmarket accessories in the Cross Keys Chequer.

“We were doing really rather well, but trade went 30 per cent down immediately, and it’s just carried on getting steadily worse as we lose our customer base.

“It’s extremely worrying. People come to my shop for therapy, to look at pretty things.

Monday, Thursday and Friday are normally our best days.

“But, basically, I was reliant on visitors to the Cathedral Flower Festival last week. This could shut my business unless something is done very rapidly.”

Ms Wood added: “I’m applying for hardship relief on my business rates, and if other businesses contact me, I will forward them the forms to apply, too.

“I know several firms already that are going to do this, and the level of anger is horrendous.

“I have enough stress in my life without having this battle. We should be encouraging people to come to Salisbury by offering free parking after 4pm.”

Firms wishing to apply for hardship relief should go to www.wiltshire.gov.uk/ businesssupportandadvice/businessrates/ hardshipraterelief.htm