SHOPKEEPERS claim a continued drop in trade could be linked with the closure and restrictions in High Wycombe's public car parks.

In last week's Bucks Free Press it was reported that many of Wycombe's specialist stores, such as phone shops, florists and other independent shops, have seen sales plummet by as much as 50 per cent this year.

A week after our report, shopkeepers say they are still experiencing flagging trade.

David Huntley, 57, owner of Courtney China and Glass in Frogmoor, said: "I've found it very stop-start this year. Some customers are saying it is difficult to find a parking space."

Julie Gardner, 41, a Wycombe Market stall holder which sells handcrafted ceramics from Spain, said: "There's hardly anyone walking around. It got a bit busier in the last week but nothing like it was. Other traders say the parking has a lot to do with it."

A 40-minute power cut caused by a high voltage fault in the Chilterns Shopping Centre at 11am last Saturday forcing dozens of shops to close temporarily.

But Bill Pollard, manager of the Chiltern Centre, insists that trade has been on the up.

He said: "There's a feeling of optimism. Last week, trade was on a par with last year. From a footfall perspective, we were the same as last year and the centre was very busy."

And Shelly Ford, town centre manager, insists that any drop in trade is a national trend and nothing to do with parking.

She said: "Please do come into Wycombe. The problem is not the parking, it's a drop in trade nationally."

Shoppers are being encouraged to use Dovecot car park while Newlands is refurbished and Bridge Street car park is closed. Alternatively, they can park in Cressex and use the Park and Ride facility.

Shoppers who want to take the bus into town can now take advantage of a discount being offered by Carousel Buses. Steve Burns, managing director of the company based in Baker Street, High Wycombe, is offering shoppers a 20 per cent discount after reading the "Christmas crisis" article in last week's Bucks Free Press.

Visit www.carouselbuses.com for more information