Shopkeepers have launched a protest against plans to upgrade a town centre, saying it will ruin the local economy.

Traders in Walton say they will lose money and business if the £1 million regeneration scheme for the High Street goes ahead as it will cause problems for parking and shop deliveries.

A petition, with more than 200 signatures, has been collected opposing to plans, which include widening pavements and reducing the road to a single carriage- way.

Francis and Lyn Moreau, of Aquarius, a pawnbrokers and jewellers in High Street, set up the petition two weeks ago because they feel the views of the town have not been heard.

Mr Moreau said: "I'm all for improving the town and spending money on it. The plans look very nice but they have not looked at the practicality of it."

They say they will not be able to receive deliveries in the proposed narrowed road as it would stop all traffic including emergency vehicles.

Roger Evans, chairman of the Walton Forum, who has spearheaded the facelift, said he was surprised at opposition to the plans.

He pointed out there would not been any fewer parking spaces but currently people were parking illegally on double yellow lines.

Mr Evans said a four-week consultation period was currently in progress where people can make their views known by going into the High Street office.

Published Friday November 15, 2002

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