MEASURES intended to improve car parking in an East Yorkshire town have angered traders.

The controversial changes mean that vehicles can now be left in Pocklington Town centre for just an hour instead of two.

The trial scheme was introduced last month, cutting parking times in half.

Anger over the changes comes amid continuing controversy over parking charges and restrictions in York.

Pocklington traders fear the moves will harm their businesses by forcing shoppers out of the town too quickly.

Bill Burton, manager of Burton's Butchers, said: "I am sure this will affect our business to a certain extent.

"We've always had two hours of parking all over town. One hour just doesn't give people enough time to do all their shopping in the centre.

"We should be supporting rather than discouraging people from coming to the town."

He said a petition launched last week attacking the changes had already collected more than 200 signatures.

But local councillors have defended the scheme.

Hilary Saynor, East Riding of Yorkshire councillor for Pocklington said: "On a personal basis I find it very helpful. I can now park relatively easily and pop into town.

"If I wanted to park for longer than an hour I could easily park all day in one of the public car parks. People have always complained that they couldn't park in Pocklington. In the past I have driven round and not been able to find a space, so I've had to drive on to Beverley to shop. Now I can find a space quickly.

"But I think we should be advertising the fact that you can still park for free in Pocklington. That's a real benefit."

Pocklington Town Council clerk Richard Wood said the scheme was just one part of a wider plan to improve parking.

He said: "The council is also looking at sites within the town where further car parking could be provided."

Coun Saynor said: "I do recognise that people are very anxious about this.

"I am certainly prepared to look at the arguments against the change.

"All this has been introduced on a trial basis, so at the moment it's still a case of trying it out and seeing what happens."

Updated: 09:14 Tuesday, August 24, 2004