Parking charges are ‘hurting’ shops in Liscard, but the owner of a well-known haberdashery says his business will fight its way through the challenge.

Chris Baker, who runs Calico Laine, on Liscard Crescent, Wallasey, said: “The parking charges in Liscard affect all businesses and local amenities.

“Although we have seen a decline in cars parked directly adjacent to our shop, I can confirm my business is not going to be closing.

“We have even put measures in place giving our customers the option for a refund on their parking. However, this doesn’t solve the overall problem. There are also external factors, the New Brighton development doesn’t help us.”

The car park Mr Baker is referring to is the one right next to Calico Laine. It charges 90p now, whereas it used to charge 70p prior to September 2017.

Explaining his issue with the council’s parking charges, Mr Baker said: “There are a lot less people parking here and when people aren’t parking the council’s not making money and people aren’t shopping in the businesses, so they’re not able to pay their rates.

“It’s losing them money, it’s counter-productive.”

Despite the parking problems, Mr Baker remained upbeat about Calico Laine’s prospects: “The business has been proud to serve our local community for almost half a century, in more recent years we have expanded, opening another shop in Neston (on the Clayhill Industrial Estate), which is open for browsing to the public and offers free parking.

“We also have a very strong online presence, giving our customers the choice to shop directly on our website.”

Labour councillor Julie McManus, cabinet member for community services, said: “Championing small businesses and driving investment into our local economy is a major commitment in Wirral.

“The last increase on charges at Liscard Village car park was more than two years ago, in September 2017, when the fee became 90p per hour.

“There are 41 car parks across the borough, maintained by the Council, which are free to use and which support Wirral’s many thriving communities on a daily basis.

“We don’t set any targets with regards to the number of parking penalties issued – if parking restrictions are clearly and obviously breached, then enforcement action may be taken.”