Jazz clubs fear Soho could become a ghost town

West End jazz clubs said today that the area could be turned into a ghost town by Westminster's parking charge moves.

Free parking on single yellow lines is scheduled to end on January 9. Ronnie Scott's and Dover Street said it could severely damage the live music scene as well as restaurants and theatres. Performers argued they had no other way of bringing their instruments.

Mim Grey, 36, a singer in jazz band The Vodka Martinis, said: "I just won't be able to do certain gigs any more. I'm also a percussionist so there's no way I can bring my congas and other drums without taking the car.

I live in Buckinghamshire so public transport just isn't an option." Her husband, drummer Steve Vintner added: "It's ridiculous - a pure money-making exercise."

James Pearson, 41, artistic director at Soho's Ronnie Scott's, said session musicians were paid about £120 per night, meaning an evening's parking could cost them more than a third of their earnings.

He said: "The whole industry will suffer - restaurants and venues. What [Westminster] don't seem to understand is that we need to make it easy for people to come into this area. It will take the spirit out of Soho." Larry Pryce, in charge of entertainment at Dover Street Jazz Club in Mayfair, said: "This will turn the West End into a ghost town."

Classical violinist Nicola Benedetti said: "Evening parking restrictions would be devastating for concert halls and theatres."