Disgruntled workers returning to work in a Shropshire market town today claimed they had been hit with a surprise 100 per cent rise in car parking charges.

Motorists said the fees had doubled from £1 to £2 for drivers parking before 9.30am on Bridgnorth’s major long-stay car park at Smithfield.

The rise came into force today and many drivers claimed they were unaware of the increase.

It will mean a yearly hike of more than £250 for many workers in the town who have to park on the site near to the Sainsbury’s store.

Workers claim they were not informed of the impending rise before the Easter holiday.

They say they have no alternative but to pay the increased charges because there is no other long-term parking facility in the town.

Now Shropshire Council, which sets the fees for parking in Bridgnorth, has been accused of trying to drive firms away from the busy market town and discriminating against workers in favour of shoppers.

Fuming Janet Sleigh, who drives to work in Bridgnorth every day from her home in Broseley, said she was taken by surprise when she was confronted with the rise.

“No one seemed to know about it. It doesn’t seem a lot to pay but over a year the total mounts up. It seems to punish people who have to work in the town and leave their cars all day.

“Surely the plans to increase the charges could have been communicated better?” she added.

“We don’t have a choice about whether or not we pay the increase.

But people coming to Bridgnorth to work seem to be treated differently to tourists and shoppers,” claimed the sales executive.

No one was available from Shropshire Council to comment.