The Bolton Evening News has launched a campaign urging the town’s council to rethink its planned increase on car parking charges.

Bolton Metro council says it wants to put up charges by seven per cent much to the anger of shoppers, town centre workers and business leaders in the town.

The paper has joined forces with tradespeople and businesses who fear that it would be another nail in Bolton’s coffin with shoppers going to neighbouring towns where parking is cheaper, or free.

The Bolton Evening News printed a coupon for readers to sign which will be presented to the council, and set up a poll on the website.

The response was overwhelming. Within half an hour of setting up the poll there were seven replies. And the coupons also came flooding in – almost 400 at the last count.

Editor Steve Hughes said: “We are delighted with the response. It is a campaign which is dear to the hearts of lots of people, from shoppers to workers.

“As a community newspaper we are concerned that the increase will drive away people from our town centre.”

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