Traders reacted with fury today to news that car parking charges in Rayleigh and Rochford town centres are set to rocket.

Rochford District Council is expected to agree proposals which would mean the abolition of the 30 minute charge of 25p, brought in to attract more short-term shoppers to the towns.

Now, if the council agrees the price hikes on Thursday, charges will double in many cases - and much tougher rules for disabled drivers introduced.

Head of financial services Dave Deeks, defended the planned increases and said at the moment the council had the lowest charges for car parking in the area.

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