A BUSINESS leader, heading traders' campaign against the parking clampdown in Marlow, has welcomed the support of a newly elected councillor and said retailers are fully behind her.

Stricter and more frequent patrols by parking officers have been carried out in Marlow High Street and surrounding roads since October when the council took over enforcement from Thames Valley Police, which gave the job a low priority.

Drivers have just one hour's free parking before being issued with a fine of up to £70.

Jules Garside, area manager at the ladieswear retailer Sahara started a petition among High Street retailers in November.

Former Marlow mayor Ivor Coleman, who was recently re-elected to Marlow Town Council, backed the retailers when running for the seat and has pledged his support.

Mrs Garside said: “It's good to have someone on the council who is on our side.

“All the other retailers are behind us and at the chamber of commerce meeting everyone agreed that the parking restrictions have gone too far and are too heavy handed.

“They're making life harder for everybody. There are shops closing here, there and everywhere and people are holding on to their money. It's not helping the situation in Marlow.”

The businesswoman said the cause attracted widespread support after appearing on the front page of the Marlow Free Press.

“Lots of people came in and said they saw the story in the Marlow Free Press and we are right behind you. There's been a good reaction since the article,” she said.

“We are sending the whole petition off shortly and will see what response we get.

“Sales have improved a bit but people are still saying I've only got one hour to get out before I get a ticket.”

Kasia Cole, owner of Swish in Liston Court, said: “ It's restricting people from shopping. People go to the bank or for the essentials and there is hardly any time left for them to look around.”

Cllr Coleman said: “What we've talked about doing is experimenting with the two hours in some parts of the town.

“What we want to do is encourage people to come and visit the town. The car parks at the moment are generally full anyway, they're well used.

“We need help to traders as much as possible especially with some shops closing.”

Wycombe District Council will review the operation in April.

Cllr Coleman added: “All we can do is try to push it in between.”