A popular boot fair could be scrapped amid fears it is hurting high street trade.

Wincheap Park and Ride has been sealed off every Sunday for several years in order to host the Canterbury City Council-run event – to the consternation of shop owners.

David Lilford, who runs the Lilford Gallery in Palace Street, says it deters shoppers from visiting the city.

“It’s the second biggest trading day of the week, and the park and ride is closed,” he said.

“It’s a bizarre situation; it’s like a form of self-harm.

“What sort of council and city closes a park and ride on the second biggest trading day?

“I can’t think of any other. It’s ridiculous.

“People aren’t coming into the city on a Sunday because they know the park and ride’s shut.”

Mr Lilford points out that the council says it wants to encourage more people to use the park and rides as it’s “more sustainable and greener”.

“It should be open - it makes more sense,” he added.

Lisa Carlson, the boss of the Canterbury Business Improvement District (Bid), says “a number” of other city centre shop owners have voiced their concerns to her.

Ms Carlson says Bid is in support of the Wincheap Park and Ride being opened on Sundays and has already discussed the issue with the council.

In addition, Nailbourne councillor Mike Sole says the closure results in greater congestion and pollution as shoppers travel further towards the centre of Canterbury in search of parking.

City council spokesman Rob Davies has hinted that the boot fair’s stint at the park and ride may come to an end when the authority starts its new contract for the site in October.

“As part of the tender process for that contract we will be asking bidders to provide a price that includes a Sunday service at all three park and ride sites, rather than just the two at the moment,” he added.

“A final decision on this will be taken when we know what prices have been submitted at the conclusion of the tender process.”

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