TRADERS have collected more than 1,000 signatures on a petition calling for a rethink on plans to reduce parking spaces on a busy route in Poole.

They fear their businesses could be affected if customers cannot park near the shops in Ashley Road, Upper Parkstone.

Claire Tisley, owner of Tom Dick and Harry’s Hairdressers, said: “If the parking spaces are taken away, there goes our trade.

"We’ve been here for 17 years and have a lot of elderly customers who are either dropped off or park on the road.

“Originally there was parking outside the shop, but now there’s limited parking and they are planning to take away seven spaces.

"It’s a hard enough struggle on Ashley Road as it is but this will kill my trade.”

David Bryant of Bryant Pharmacy told the council: “We serve a number of elderly and disabled patients who value the convenience of being able to park close to the shops.

“These parking spaces are absolutely critical to the success of businesses in this area and I’m certain that if they were removed a number of shops would be forced to close.”

The traders are also concerned about plans for a housing development on the site of the Mansfield Road car park.

“If this goes ahead as well, there will be no parking at this end of Ashley Road,” said Mr Bryant.

Public consultation on four schemes to carry out £1 million of improvements to Ashley Road ended in August.

Cllr Xena Dion, Borough of Poole cabinet portfolio holder for transportation said: “The options we developed were drawn up following the first engagement exercise, in which 1,300 people give their opinions.

"These options have been strongly supported during the recent consultation, which ran for six weeks, ending on August 23.”