Businesses in Alsager say trade is booming despite parking charges coming into force.

Cheshire East Council introduced parking charges in the council-owned car parks in the town last Monday (December 2nd).

But shops and cafes in Alsager say they are just as busy, with one cafe saying they had their busiest day ever the day the charges came into being.

And they believe that the charging issue is prompting many shoppers to walk instead of driving into town.

"The car parks may not be as busy as they were but we're still getting a steady flow of customers," said Alex Melhuish from Home Coffee & Studio in Lawton Road. 

"We're still busy and we had one of our busiest days ever after the charges were introduced. I think a lot of people are choosing to walk into town instead of drive. It's not having an impact on us."

Rosemary King of Rosie's Refills also in Lawton Road confirmed that the parking charges hadn't impacted on her business.

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"My takings last week were the same as they usually are," said Rosie. "I think people are taking advantage of the free parking after 3 pm on Fairview.

Rosemary King says her takings last week were the same despite the launch of parking charges. (Photo: Rosemary King)

"The weather on Saturday did impact trade a little but otherwise we're seeing no change. I think people may be waiting to do their shopping in one go and not shopping in dribs and drabs."

Alsager Cheshire East and town councillor, Cllr Rod Fletcher, said the council had pledged to ensure all signage was correct.

He said: "They have said that any anomalies or corrections will be prioritised.

"There have also been reports of people finding the payment machines difficult to operate and people being charged more paying by RinGO."

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