A NEWSAGENT in Corsham has closed its doors while other traders fear business will suffer when free parking is scrapped next month.

Newshop, in the Martingate Centre, was shut on Friday although the reasons behind the closure remain unclear.

Richard Tovell, newsagent at the Prospect Post Office, in Lypiatt Road, has taken on some of the paper deliveries from the shop.

He said: "I don't know much about it but my guess is the lease is up for renewal and they don't like the new rent.

"Whoever takes over isn't going to use it as a newsagents or they wouldn't have passed on the newspaper business."

Meanwhile, other traders in the town centre are worried they will lose business when new parking changes being brought in next month will mean shoppers will have to pay 30p to park for an hour in the High Street, Post Office Lane and Newlands Road car parks.

Tia Lang, joint owner of MyLoaf bakery said she is exceptionally worried about the new charges.

"I think it will severely affect trade for the whole town and people will go to Sainsbury's in Chippenham instead of stopping here."

"We rely on people being able to drive up and park and we are very worried because it just affects everybody.

"Customers are outraged the council are going to do this as the town is doing so well at the moment.

"It seems to people that the council just aren't interested."

Paul Coyle, area manager of fruit and vegetable store Stokes, said he was also concerned about a fall in trade.

"The customers have been coming and they are not pleased at all. There is a lot of talk in the town about it," he said.

"We are very worried as we are one of the stores that take the least money but have the highest rates to pay."

Martingate Centre director Bill Hall has written to the tenants of the centre urging them to write to North Wiltshire District Council expressing their views.

Dawn Oakley, owner of Chaplins convenience store said she had taken his advice and written to the council.

"The council may make money in the short term, but it will affect everyone and lose money in the long run," she said.

Corsham Chamber of Commerce chairman Ian Storey has condemned the council's move to introduce the charges.

"The district council seeks to impose these charges, without any discussion, whilst at the same time wanting to consult with us on a long-term strategy for car parking.

"The consultation is a sham. In any normal business the strategy would come first.

"We are very concerned about the effect on retail trade with an anticipated loss of business to nearby edge-of-town retailers who own their own free car parks."