A pub landlord believes planned parking changes will “kill every pub in the village” if they go ahead.

The existing residents parking scheme on Kingston Road was implemented two years ago and stretches from Chessington Road to the Wheatsheaf pub.

Since then, Darren Hull, leaseholder of the Wheatsheaf has noticed a “substantial reduction” in his pub’s daytime trade, and a 30% decline in the business’ turnover.

The pub has no off-street parking for patrons, and is completely dependent on access for parking on the road.

New plans, proposed by Surrey County Council, would extend the scheme further up the road, close to the Eight Bells pub.

A final decision will be made on the proposal in December if 70 per cent of residents approve it.

Darren fears the move would be “disastrous” for his pub if it goes ahead.

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He said: “The Bells are not worried about it. They have their own car parking facilities.

“There is no competition between us – we have our regulars and they have theirs.

“But they are just obviously more successful during the day. For us it is a nightmare.

“It most certainly will get worse.”

Surrey County Council believe the new scheme could desist commuters and other non-residents parking during the operational hours – between 8.30am and 6.30pm, Monday to Saturday – enabling residents to park closer to their homes.

But Darren believes these hours would inconvenience potential customers and discourage them from visiting his pub.

He said: “I appreciate that people want to park outside their house, but it would kill every pub in the village.

“If the residents are moaning about commuter parking, why on earth does it have to be on a Saturday?

“And if it is to be implemented, can they not look at staggered times that specifically target commuter parking?”

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Darren met with Ewell Councillor Michael Arthur on September 28 to put forward the case against the scheme.

The Ewell Councillor believes the issue requires “balance”, when it is decided in December, if the outcome is to satisfy both residents and businesses and their customers.

He said: “We listened to his comments and I do have sympathy with what he was saying.

“He has made a good submission to the council. I think we will have to see what other residents have to say.”

To view the plans and to fill out a survey on the proposed extension of the residents’ parking scheme, please visit: http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/parking/parking-whats-happening-in-your-area/parking-news-and-updates-epsom-and-ewell