Proposals to drastically cut the number of car parking spaces in Bromyard have been met with stiff resistance from residents and traders.

Herefordshire Council has laid out plans to introduce parking bans on various roads in and out of the town centre reducing the number of spaces by around 30.

“A couple of years ago I asked for a review of car parking around the town to try and squeeze some more spaces in,” explained Councillor Alan Seldon.

“What they have done is the complete opposite, they have looked at places where they can ban parking.”

Coun Seldon says any ban would make roads less safe in Bromyard and hit town centre traders hard, due to the already limited capacity.

“It's not actually what I asked for at all,” he added.

“They have gone completely over the top in taking out spaces when they don't need to.”

Sherford Street resident Chris Barltrop added: “There is again no need to rob Bromyard businesses of parking for their customers.

“It will lose trade, cost jobs and maybe even push some businesses over the brink.”