Independent traders in Weybridge and Walton are hoping for a bumper Christmas this year after complaining that business has been hampered by over-zealous traffic wardens and draconian parking regulations.

Peter Myson, managing director of Pen and Cob on High Street, Walton, said that while the Heart shopping centre has improved the area, traders have suffered from pavement closures.

He said: "The council don't give a damn about independents who are impacted most.

"They are the ones who suffer from disruptions, not the big retailers. They don't have other shops to fall back on."

He added that parking wardens were also deterring people. "The one hour enforcing is good but it is heavy handed in certain areas.

"I know a few people who used to stop at a bank but have come back to find a ticket."

Weybridge florist Jeanette Colton has been on the High Street for six years.

Faced with constant disruptions to her business she is thinking of moving.

She said: "The first two years were excellent but we have had the gas works and now the traffic wardens are around all the time.

"They're not allowing people to deliver, it's affecting business and I'm not the only one.

"That's why people are not coming down to shop.

"They gave two wholesalers tickets who were delivering my flowers, and I have no back entry to the shop."

Graham Winton, a councillor for North Weybridge, said that while he agreed about the parking wardens in Weybridge, the High Street and Baker Street were doing well.

He said: "Traffic wardens are too assiduous, we are raising the issue with the council.

"The High Street and Baker street are thriving. We have a good community and great shops."

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