A PETITION signed by nearly 300 residents and businesses opposed to the controversial introduction of on-street parking charges in Kendal was handed in at County Hall on Monday.

The petition calls for a disc system to be introduced on streets with limited parking.

Cumbria County Council plans to introduce charges for four spaces on Allhallows Lane, 17 on Stramongate, nine on Maude Street, 11 on Gillinggate and 12 on Dowkers Lane.

But Barbara Studholme, who organised the petition, said the charges would be “bad for Kendal, bad for businesses and bad for shoppers.”

Mrs Studholme, of New Hutton, pointed out that two of the streets affected had doctor’s surgeries on them, with little or no parking for patients.

“The proposals are destined to hit people who want to ‘pop in and shop in’, as well as the shops themselves," she said.

“The extra pieces of street furniture would also be an extra hazard for wheelchair users.”

Brian Harrison, chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “It’s been proved over many years that parking charges have negative effects on small businesses, particularly if people have difficulties in making short term stays to pick up and deliver.

“We appreciate the council has to pull in revenue but they shouldn’t penalise businesses in the process."

Simon Thomas, manager of Staff of Life and Vice Chair of the Kendal Business Improvement District, was also present to hand over the petition to a member of the county’s highways team.

He said: “I think the charges will impact on every business in Kendal – people will drive out of town to supermarkets to do their shopping instead of coming into town and helping high streets.”

A Cumbria County Council spokesperson said: “We received a petition regarding on street parking charges on Monday at County Hall in Kendal. This is now going through the usual process we take when we receive petitions and consideration will be taken on whether to present it to the local committee.

“Residents in South Lakeland will still be able to comment on our parking consultation until Wednesday November 5.”