SHOPKEEPERS are angry after the council closed off the only Holmfirth car park for the Christmas lights switch-on.
The decision left the shopkeepers with little trade all day as no-one was able to park in the centre from 9am on Saturday.
None of the retailers were told about the decision beforehand and only knew when they saw the bollard blocking access early on Saturday morning.
They are also furious that customers at the Bridge Inn pub were given access to park on the public car park throughout the day.
Customers were also put out by the parking restriction, with one shopper from Sheffield having to walk over half a mile to Dawson and Hall Menswear – on crutches.
Rodney Dawson from the Victoria Street shop said: “We knew nothing about it, no-one did.
“Every shopkeeper in Holmfirth is quiet because there is nowhere to park as customers can’t get in.
Artist Ashley Jackson added: “There was no disabled parking, there was no parking for anyone. How can they close off a public car park and not tell anyone?
“When I saw the bollard I went to ask why and was told it was the police’s decision. How they can blame the police is beyond me, they get blamed for everything but I don’t believe it’s them at all. It is the only car park we’ve got and shopkeepers need it.”
The local florist was also not allowed to drive her delivery van in to pick up flowers that were needed that day.
Mr Jackson added: “Local shopkeepers are struggling to survive as it is.
“This is a busy time of year with everyone shopping for Christmas and this isn’t helping at all.”
