Traders in Shrewsbury are threatening to withhold their business rates in protest over controversial plans to increase parking charges.

Shropshire Council plans to increase parking charges in towns throughout the county from April 1.

But in an open letter to the council, Quintin Morgan, who owns Morgan’s restaurant in Bellstone, has condemned the move as “ludicrous”.

“The country, county and Shrewsbury has just been through, and is still going through, the worst recession this century,” he says.

“To help businesses in our town the only thing the council has come up with is to offer free parking from 8am to 11am in the town centre car parks until April 18. This is utterly pointless.”

Mr Morgan wants the council to postpone the increases for 12 months.

He added: “In the meantime we are planning to withhold our April business rates in protest and would urge other small business in town to join us.”

Ashley Davies, the owner of Ashley’s bar in Shoplatch, added: “With parking, the explosion and the recession the situation is killing us.”

Martin Withington, for Shropshire Council, said Mr Morgan’s letter would be considered by the chief executive and leader, who would respond in due course.

Mr Withington added: “We are currently developing a new parking strategy for Shropshire and this includes reviewing all car park charges to ensure they are fair and consistent across the county.

“The review is expected to go to wider public consultation in the summer.

“We encourage traders and residents to let us know their thoughts on parking management and charges during this consultation.”