Traders in Headcorn fear High Street parking spaces could become dominated by commuters' vehicles after charges are introduced at the nearby car park.

This, they say, will leave them vulnerable to robbers because they will have further to carry their takings to their own cars.

Malcolm Hoddinott, who has just opened a fish shop in the High Street, said: “Safety is an issue. There are people who watch your movements and it could be difficult for people walking long distances with cash.”

The charges are being introduced in the car park, just off the High Street, on Bank Holiday Monday. Fees start at 60p an hour rising to £3.90 for the day – the same charge as the railway station.

Parish council chairman Cllr Tim Thomas said bringing in the charges would make the High Street worse, adding: “Commuters will just move in.”

He said the parish council was looking at bringing in a ban on parking between 1pm -1.30pm in the side roads such as Forge Lane to deter commuters.