BUSINESS owners on the Lords Meadow Industrial Estate say that the introduction of parking measures at both of the Lords Meadow Leisure Centre car parks in Crediton is having a significant impact on their businesses.

Traditionally employees at a number of businesses on the estate have used the overflow park at the leisure centre for parking while at work.

Mid Devon District Council, which owns the leisure centre and car parks, this month made changes to the parking arrangements in the car parks, making them “customer only” and also with a three-hour maximum stay with no return within four hours.

Large notices have been erected at the entrances to each car park which state that failure to comply with the regulations will result in a £75 charge, which will be reduced to £25 if payment is made within 14 days.

The overflow car park can only be used by users of the leisure centre, Crediton United Football Club and authorised coaches.

Peter Gilbert of Gilmax says that the new restrictions will “force people to park on all the surrounding roads, causing major problems.”

He added: “The council needs to do a re-think”.

Another business owner on the industrial estate said he has 18 staff and just two parking spaces at his business works and said he was “disappointed” that Mid Devon District Council was not now supporting local business.

He added: “The estate has no provision for parking for businesses and my staff have often parked in the overflow car park.

“Now they cannot park there they are parking on roads on the estate. It is now making it difficult for deliveries to businesses on the estate with cars blocking entrances and roadways.

“I could understand Mid Devon’s decision if the car park was full but it has never been full and now is empty all-day.

“I would like to know if there is a good reason for doing it.

“It is really disappointing when MDDC encourages us to grow but does this to us.”

In response to concerns raised by the “Courier”, Councillor Colin Slade, Lowman ward Member and Cabinet Member for Community Well-Being, said: “Some people have been taking advantage of our Leisure Centre Car Parks, using them for free parking all day when at work.

“This is to the detriment of genuine leisure customers who often struggle to find a parking space.

“The new rules are fair and should ensure that there is always parking available at the Leisure Centres for those who genuinely need it.

“Of course we do provide spaces for blue badge holders and parents with toddlers and we would ask customers to respect those restrictions.”

Leisure Centre users have also complained that MDDC recently increased dramatically, peak use charges to use the facilities at the leisure centre.