Fears are growing some high street firms will end up closing if a council presses ahead with “vindictive” new parking measures.

Traders have united to warn Folkestone and Hythe District (FHDC) that proposals for stricter rules across an area of Cheriton would be “the final nail in coffin”.

The authority has written to residents about a consultation it is holding on bringing in a controlled parking zone (CPZ).

If introduced, it would mean people living in the affected area will need to apply for and purchase a parking permit, the letter says.

“It also means that visitors would need a permit when visiting you during the hours of operation of the zone,” it adds.

The proposed CPZ would cover several residential streets, including Morehall Avenue, Phillip Road, Dunnett Road and Chart Road.

But it also covers the entirety of Cheriton High Street, where there are currently free one-hour parking bays.

The exact restrictions which would be enforced on the high street under the CPZ have not yet been confirmed.

Peter Ingelbrecht, who has owned PenKraft Hobby Store for 24 years, said free parking “means everything” to his business.

“It would kill my business if this was introduced,” he added.

“The one-hour restriction at the moment is fine because it gives people time to pop into shops and ensures a quick turnaround.

“I don't see any problem at the moment - you can always find a space here. I think they just want to make some money out of it.

“We have been here 24 years and I think this would be the nail in the coffin. I will 100% close if this comes in.”

FHDC says it has received a number of applications and petitions from residents, calling for tougher parking controls in the area.

But John Baker, who owns County Hardware, labelled the scheme “vindictive”, and believes it could force him out of business.

“Without one-hour parking outside the front of our shop six days a week we have an unsustainable business,” he said.

“They are playing with people's livelihoods here. If this is introduced it could kill a lot of people’s businesses.

“If our customers can't park outside the store then they use the side streets. If this turns into permit parking only then they won't be able to do that either.

“The feedback I'm getting is that people are against it. I would go as far as to say that the people behind this are being vindictive.

“It's just a way for them to make more money."

Mr Baker admits high street parking at present is “not very well enforced” and he does see drivers parking antisocially.

FHDC’s letter to businesses and residents asks for their views while also explaining some improvements the CPZ could provide.

These include better access for emergency service vehicles and improving safety for all road users.

The first informal consultation will end on April 19.

Cheriton councillor Polly Blakemore (Green) says the authority has been receiving complaints from residents who have struggled to park.

She said: “Residents have been in touch with the council asking for a CPZ.

“This process is to see if there is wider support for the scheme and what residents and businesses might want that scheme to look like.

“Residents have said there is difficulty in finding spaces on the high street and have seen antisocial parking on street corners.”

Cllr Blakemore stressed the council has made no official decision on the CPZ’s precise details yet.

She explained the authority is currently focused on hearing residents’ and business owners’ opinions before introducing new rules.

An FHDC spokesperson said: “Having received applications and petitions for parking controls to be introduced in the area, we are now carrying out an informal consultation with residents to gauge the level of support for a scheme.

“If there is sufficient backing, we will design proposals for the area – including the high street – and there will be a further formal consultation on them.

“Those living in the area were sent letters this week and we would encourage them to share their views before the April 19 deadline.”

In one garden in Cheriton, a sign has been put up by a resident who is against the proposals.

It reads: “Warning. Say no to permit parking.”

The sign encourages residents in the area to have their say on the scheme.

Three ward councillors have now arranged a meeting on Tuesday, April 9, at 6pm in Cheriton Baptist Church in Quested Road.

Residents and business owners have been invited to attend and have their say on the scheme.