Hundreds of people have backed calls to reinstate free evening parking across a Kent borough amid claims its loss is “crippling” businesses.

New fees were introduced in Swale car parks between 6pm and midnight in April despite widespread concern it would “kill off town centres at night”.

Existing charges were also increased by 8% to £1.30-an-hour in a double-blow for residents and traders.

And little more than four months later businesses in one of the affected towns, Faversham, say the impact is already being felt.

Among the venues feeling the pinch is the Arden Theatre in Leslie Smith Drive.

Volunteer Richard Andrews believes the council did not consider how its decision would impact the 98-seat playhouse.

“Our problem is that we are all volunteers so we are all having to pay to park to provide the services of the theatre,” he explained. “It has a detrimental effect all around.

“I know the council needs more money, but it is the end-users who have to foot the bill for this sort of thing.

“It would be nice if the Arden Theatre members could have some concessionary parking so people going to the theatre get a reduced rate. We feel almost insulted by the council in a way.”

Fellow volunteer Jo Andrews added: “The effect on the price of a ticket is astronomical really, and for some people it must be crippling.”

Parking in car parks across Faversham, Sittingbourne and Sheppey had previously been free after 6pm.

“This decision has had a detrimental effect on our town and its local businesses,” he says.

“Since the introduction of paid parking, many small businesses have reported a significant decrease in footfall and revenue.

“This is especially true for those located outside of the town centre, where free parking was previously available. As a result, many businesses have been forced to close their doors permanently.”

Last month bosses at Sheerness Swimming Club told how they feared it could close after more than 140 years because of the introduction of the parking charges.

And the impact is also being felt at Faversham Swimming Club, whose members and volunteers were previously able to park for free in the nearby Central Car Park.

A spokesperson says the evening fees have been “bad news” for the club,

“The evening charges are costing our fantastic volunteer coaches significant amounts of money,” they said.

“So far, they have been meeting this cost out of their own pockets, but I am not sure how long this can be sustained for, and if the club has to begin to foot the bill we will have to raise our membership rates at a time when many people can least afford it.”

The club representative says many parents are now choosing to drop their children off rather than staying to watch, to avoid forking out for parking.

“This is particularly undesirable for younger children,” they said.

“It also means that parents will feel less involved with the club, and hence make it harder for us to recruit future volunteers, which is essential for the continuation of the club.”

Another knock-on effect of the changes has been more people now choosing to park in residential streets to save money.

Tim Brown, of E Street Music in East Street, says drivers double-parking in side roads present a “major” access issue for emergency vehicles.

“People are now parking on both sides of the road in Preston Street,” he said.

“It is pretty tight for a car to get through, so emergency vehicles would struggle. This is a major issue.”

Mr Brown’s shop benefits from two free parking bays outside, so he has not been impacted by the new evening charges.

But he sympathises with residents and other businesses that have been affected.

“If it is made harder for people to get to the town then they will not come as much,” he said.

“I do not want to see Faversham close down.”

Marie, of D&G Florist in East Street, says she has seen between six and eight business close in the town in the last year, with parking a significant factor.

“It is an ongoing struggle,” she said.

“Parking everywhere is a challenge so it would be nice if the council could do something about it.

“This has been an issue for such a long time and it affects everyone. It is not fair.

“We already lose trade on Saturdays when the road is closed for the market; this just adds to the struggle.”

Swale Borough Council says the parking charges are likely to be reviewed by the authority’s community committee.

A spokesperson said: “We are aware of the petition and are pleased to see recognition that the council has to balance providing some free services with generating the budget required to deliver key services and improvements across the borough.

“As a result of the feeling around the changes to parking tariffs from April, the community committee have agreed to start a parking policy review which is expected to include looking at parking charges across the borough.

“This will be discussed at area committees to get input and ideas.”

This petition can be viewed here.