BUSINESSES in Old Amersham are to continue their fight against plans to introduce parking fees in the town.

Last week Chiltern District Councillors agreed to the proposals, which would see an end to free parking in parts of the Old Town and the introduction of permits for residents and businesses.

The plans have now been passed on to the county council, which will have the final say.

But Alan Carmody, chairman of the Old Amersham Business Association, said: “We are going to have to start the battle all over again.”

He said: “Wholesale changes to the plan that we think are required are going to be much more difficult to achieve.

“But we are committed to the good of the community and we will do everything we can to influence this.”

Mr Carmody said he believed some businesses would leave town with the introduction of parking fees and permit schemes.

He was pleased however the cost of permits has been reduced.

Originally businesses were to be charged £624 per permit, but this has gone down to £52 for the first car, £78 for a second and £117 for a third.

Mr Carmody said this was “undoubtedly welcome”.

But he added: “We still feel this has been pushed through without a proper consultation of the business side.”

He said: “We are encouraged there is strong support from the business community and indeed from residents objecting to the plans. We are committed to doing what we can from now on.”