A CAFÉ in Barton on Sea has said proposed changes to parking charges will 'decimate' local business. 

The Beachcomber café in Marine Drive, has spoken out against Hampshire County Council's proposed changes to parking charges in the area and suggested it will kill an already quiet area. 

The café says parking on the street should remain free. 

Owner of Beachcomber Café, Malcolm Barry said: "It really affects us and our customers as there has been free parking for a long time. Out staff who come to work everyday will be charged £8 a day so for some of my staff that could be £40 a week. 

"To do this to our customers who maybe would stay for a cup of coffee and maybe now they won't because there's going to be an extra pound or even if they're having breakfast or lunch, an extra two or four pounds. It seems absurd to be continually charging more." 

Malcolm has hit out at the council's decision to question parking charges on overnight stays. 

He said it has been common for caravans and other large vehicles to park on the road and stay for at least one night. 

He said: "It became an issue with some of the local residents as there were campervans parking overnight and staying for a long time.

"We felt that if they just put up signs saying 'you can't stay here overnight' it was be just as effective and that was all I think everybody was asking for in the first place."

Hampshire County Council has said it is currently seeking views on a proposal to introduce pay and display on both Keyhaven and Barton-on-Sea seafront. 

The revenue will cover the cost of implementing the schemes while also operating, enforcing, and maintaining them.

A spokesperson for Hampshire County Council, said: “These measures, if approved, will help to manage parking demand in these popular areas, whilst also tackling the issue of overnight parking which has been a cause of long-standing concern for residents.

"The proposed hourly parking charges are likely to be set at levels that match the tariffs that are already in place at nearby car parks under the management of the district council.”