AN increase in parking fees is discouraging visitors and damaging the economy, community and business leaders have warned.

In April, Richmondshire District Council doubled the charges in its ten car parks.

Figures comparing ticket sales and revenue from April to last month with the same period last year have been published.

The report shows that revenue from tickets has risen by more than £30,000.

However, the number of tickets sold has fallen by more than 8,000.

There is also evidence that drivers are not parking for as long as they used to.

Kathleen Hird, from Swaledale Woollens, in Muker, has written to council leader Councillor John Blackie to express her concerns.

She said: "The businesses of Muker employ 27 people and this is putting their jobs in jeopardy.

"I'm concerned that next year, visitors won't visit at all."

Mayor of Richmond, Councillor Stuart Parsons, said he was appalled by the figures and urged the district council to reconsider.

"The figures seem to indicate fewer people are stopping or people are staying for less time," he said.

"The increase appears to be having a very negative impact on the economy of Richmond and, I suggest, the economy of the whole shire."

Leyburn Mayor and businessman Ian Barker said: "I would like to see car parking free in Richmondshire and 1p added to the rates."

However, Coun Blackie said the figures may be distorted because Easter fell in April last year, while this year it was in March. He said this year was also likely to be a poor year for visitor numbers.

He said: "Having said that, I think we need to look at another three months' figures.

"There may be a case for some tweaking. If we can maximise usage and maximise income, it becomes a win-win situation."

Coun Blackie said the increase had been voted for by full council, with very little opposition raised at the time.

The council doubled the daily rate for its long-stay car parks from £2.50 to £5 on April 4 to keep council tax bills down.

The hourly rate in other car parks also doubled to £1 for an hour, £2 for two, £2.80 for three and £3.60 for four.