Angry traders in Rochford are raising petitions, backed by parish councillors, to stop the proposed sale of a free public car park in the centre of the town.

Parish council chairman Myra Weir, her husband David and council vice chairman Maureen Vince collected more than 100 signatures in an hour and a half at the weekly market in the town.

Petition - members of the public flocked to sign their support for the traders' fight against the sell-off Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

Rochford District Council is proposing the closure of the public toilets in Old Ship Lane because of excessive vandalism and the closeness of the recently refurbished toilets in Back Lane car park.

But the council is also considering selling the adjoining eight space public car park to make the site more attractive for residential development.

The policy and finance committee decided to apply for planning permission to change the use of the site to residential.

Mrs Vince, who is also a Labour district councillor, is furious. She said: "Businesses, shops and residents are outraged at the proposed loss of parking spaces, which also includes a disabled space in the centre of Rochford.

District council head of finance Roger Crofts said no final decision had been taken on the future of the site.

Published Wednesday, April 23, 2003

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