Traders set up website in anger at wardens

Businesses from undertakers to seafood stalls have joined forces to launch a website challenging a town hall's "draconian" parking regime.

They have formed an alliance with residents to vent their anger on Islington council, amid claims they are being harassed by wardens.

The site, www.islingtonguardians.com, claims customers are being driven away from shops and businesses because of the overbearing attitude of traffic wardens who pounce at the slightest excuse.

Protesters claim new pay-and-display parking bays near Essex Road made matters worse by putting extra restrictions on shoppers. And CCTV cameras are catching motorists in bus lanes.

Website founder Gloria Elliott, owner of James Elliott Butchers on Essex Road, said: "Everybody in Islington is fed up about parking. Small shops are losing trade, residents are being set against each other and drivers are being harassed by wardens and hit with unfair fines.

"But when individuals write to complain they are just fobbed off by the council with the same bland letters. Bringing people together is the only way the council will take us seriously."

Traders claim that since Islington has cracked down on motorists, the quality of life in the borough has "plummeted". The website features complaints from chemist, an undertakers which has been in business for 80 years, a seafood shop, dry cleaners, a DIY store and a taxidermist. It urges the public to air their views too.

Thornhill Square Residents' Association attacked the council's " unscrupulous" parking regime, claiming attendants were so keen to hand out tickets they pounced before visitors had time to fill in permits and place them in their windscreen.

The Islington Guardians website is demanding a referendum on parking so residents and businesses can reform the council's policy.

But George Allan, the Lib-Dem council's executive member for customer focus, said: "We understand some businesses have concerns about parking which is why we work with traders to create solutions.

"Whenever changes are made to parking zones businesses are fully consulted. Where we can we are trying to help local businesses; on Essex Road we have put in a number of new payanddisplay bays on nearby side streets, and are also lobbying TfL to put in more parking spaces along Essex Road itself.

"Business should come to talk to us if they have any concerns as we want to listen and help."