SHOP owners in Bewdley have shared their concern over plans to introduce a car parking voucher scheme in the town later this month.

Traders say they were not consulted on the new temporary initiative, which would give people money off parking if they spend at independent shops, and have expressed unease at the potential to spread coronavirus by handling vouchers.

Jon May, who runs Mooch Gifts & Home in Load Street, said: "No traders have been notified. All we want is free parking.

"Why create more red tape with this scheme and handling of unnecessary vouchers and spreading the risk of Covid-19?

"How on earth are we supposed to agree or take part in a scheme we know nothing about, again very poor judgement of Wyre Forest District Council not to speak to traders first to get backing before they announce to the world. 

"It shows again how out of touch they are with small high street businesses.

"Just give us two hours free parking, its not rocket science."

Mrs Chill's Ice Cream Parlour commented: "Absolutely shocking that the first Bewdley businesses hear about this is by reading this article!

"Why has there not been any consultation with us?"

Wyre Forest District Council says the scheme is to help businesses in the town recover from the effects of the coronavirus lockdown.

The incentive is set to run from Monday, June 29 to Friday, July 31, meaning anyone paying to park in a council-owned car park in Bewdley will be able to claim a discount of £2 if they spend at least £5 in a participating independent shop in the town.

During this time, ticket machines will issue two tickets for those paying by cash, one of which should be placed in the vehicle and the other can be used to obtain the discount.

Announcing the scheme, Councillor Fran Oborski, cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “We are introducing the strictly time-limited scheme to support the town’s independent shops as they begin trading again after lockdown.

“The scheme recognises the exceptional circumstances in Bewdley which, unlike Kidderminster and Stourport, has no significant free car parking provided for users of supermarkets and other shopping developments.

“We are still strongly encouraging people to pay for parking using the JustPark app and online methods in order to minimise risk of spreading Covid-19.

"People who have paid using JustPark or who have a valid season ticket will be able to confirm their payment for parking by showing their receipt on the screen of their mobile phone to a participating retailer.”

Cllr Oborski added: "The economic benefit for the town will depend on how many people take part and cannot easily be predicted."

The council said staff will be talking with independent shops and businesses in Bewdley next week to see which of them would like to take part in the scheme. Those wishing to do so will be offered a grant.

Restaurants, pubs and cafes will not be able to join the scheme.

A spokesman for the council added: "In our press release on Thursday, June 4, we said we would make a further announcement about parking in Bewdley.

"Today’s release is that announcement.

"Next week, council staff will be talking to independent shops and businesses in Bewdley to see which of them would like to work with the council in operating the discount scheme.

"They would be offered a grant to do so and their participation would feature in publicity material about the scheme."