A Goodwick business closed its doors last week, saying it has been scuppered by the council’s introduction of parking charges at Station Hill car park and a reduction in shoppers’ parking in the village’s Main Street.

The Top Shop on Goodwick Square opened for business two years ago, stocking a wide variety of cards, stationery, toys, household essentials and seasonal goods.

Controversial parking charges ranging between 40p and £1.50 were introduced in Station Hill car park in spring 2015, at the same time the size of the shoppers’ parking bays in Main Street was reduced.

John Moverly who ran the business, alongside the post office in Goodwick, said both business had been hit by the charges.

“We lost about 50% of trade in Top Shop,” he said. “We just had to make a decision that we couldn’t carry on.

“It took us so long to build the business up and it was so quick to fall off. It’s sad.”

He added that most of the stock from the business will be moved to Goodwick Post Office shop “If you need anything please come and see us or call us and we will make every effort to make the stock available for you,” he said.

Cllr Gwilym Price said it was “tragic” that the business was closing.

“We are desperate for businesses in the area,” he said. “I’m so disappointed about any business closing.

He added that he was pushing for a review of parking in Goodwick in the autumn.