THE owner of a York alterative therapies centre spoke today of her anger at having to shut up shop because she claims parking charges have hammered her business.

Pauline Dalby said New Moon, in Walmgate, had ceased trading following a 60 per cent drop in business, after parking meters and double yellow lines were introduced in Walmgate and charges rose elsewhere.

Many city centre businesses have warned that charges might force them to shut, but New Moon is thought to be the first so far which has actually closed.

Pauline said she had set up the centre, which offers alternative therapy products and holistic healing from a range of 12 therapists, in September 2002.

An experienced retailer, she hoped to help people get access to forms of treatment not available on the NHS.

The business was just about breaking even in January, with sales up 20 per cent on the previous year.

"A business like ours takes time to establish and build up trust. Everything was going well and then the parking charges happened," Pauline said.

"It had a huge effect on us. We had a 60 per cent drop within two months, but we had done nothing different. Unfortunately, I did not have the wherewithal to get through."

Pauline, a single parent, told the Evening Press she had "lost everything", as New Moon had been her only source of income.

"It is frustrating and heartbreaking. It is not just a business. We have left a lot of people behind."

The tearful businesswoman felt she had been "hounded out of York" after constantly fighting against council red tape and bureaucracy.

Earlier this year, New Moon was one of nine businesses threatened with fines of up to £2,500 if they did not remove free-standing A-boards from outside their doors.

Pauline said the authority had also tried to charge her council tax for the flat above New Moon - used for healing sessions - which officers claimed was a "second home".

"York is famous for the diversity of little, individual businesses. It is part of the city's character," she said.

"The council are going to have civil unrest on their hands if they are not careful."

Joanna Ingerson, a therapist who began working from New Moon in November, said she had been forced to make interim arrangements to keep appointments with a dozen regular clients.

"I think all of us are very reasonable in our prices but if you have got to pay for parking on top, it is expensive. Clients come from quite far afield. Sitting on a bus after treatment is not ideal."

Coun Ann Reid, executive member for planning and transport, said she could not comment on the fate of particular businesses, as she did not know their financial circumstances.

"Daytime parking charges have only risen minimally and there were already parking restrictions in Walmgate to a certain extent, and there is an off-street car park close by," she said.

New Moon customers who wish to get in touch with Pauline should contact Evening Press reporter Alex Lloyd on 01904 653051 ext 306.

Updated: 10:28 Friday, July 09, 2004