ANGRY shoppers have hit out at authorities claiming parking restrictions are stunting the growth of the town.

Scott Deal, 51, of Powers Hall End, and his wife Lita were hoping to impress friends by taking them to Witham one afternoon but were slapped with a £50 fine after breaching parking rules in Newland Street.

Currently, drivers can park there for free for up to an hour but are not allowed to park in the road again in the following three hours.

Mr Deal had visited Newland Street for a few minutes previously in the day, but said he was “surprised and embarassed” to receive the penalty.

He believes councillors need to change this rule before businesses can flourish.

He said: “Shops are not being given the support they deserve, there are no incentives for new business to stay or even consider starting.

“Common sense would suggest that this should be reversed - three hours should be free with no return for a further hour.”

John Goodman, chairman of Witham Town Council environment committee, said: “There is an ongoing problem with parking. Witham Town Council are not particularly happy with Braintree Council putting the fees up for parking and keeping people away from the town.”

The North Essex Parking Partnership said parking in Newland Street allows fair use of the parking spaces and is designed to encourage a swift turnover of vehicles, and therefore a regular supply of fresh shoppers to the area.