Tadcaster traders have hit out at council officers after barriers prohibiting coaches from Britannia car park resulted in a slump in profits.

Angela Usher, chairwoman of the town's Chamber of Trade, said traders had been losing up to £9,000 a year because of the car-park barriers, which prevent coaches from bringing thousands of visitors to the town - particularly on race days.

Proposals to lift the barriers on race days was discussed by Selby district councillors in August 2002, but Mrs Usher says she wanted the council to get rid of the barriers altogether.

She said: "It would make an awful lot of difference if they were to come down altogether."

Tadcaster town councillor and local businessman Don Bain-Mackay, said: "It's definitely affecting pubs and food outlets."

David Thompson, the district council's tourism officer, said: "We are now looking to work with coach operators and local landlords to improve the management of coaches and improve the coach business in Tadcaster in a positive way."

Updated: 10:49 Tuesday, July 15, 2003