WORRIED traders in Morecambe fear for their businesses - and want their say over plans for the resort.

The shopkeepers believe new parking restrictions could hit their trade after many have spent years fighting to attract people to the town.

They are concerned that residents parking areas could send shoppers elsewhere.

"We want to try and make Morecambe better and I am sure that is the council's objective as well," says Tim Hogg. "But we feel as traders that we should be consulted in that process.

"Businesses will be badly affected by the lack of parking for customers and it seems hard to think that older people will want to walk any great distance to go to the shops."

Mr Hogg, who owns Morecambe Gas and Electricity Showroom, on Euston Road, adds: "I moved to my current site five years ago and have made a big effort to improve the appearance of the area. The council should be encouraging that sort of behaviour?"

Councillors are keen to solve parking problems in the town and are vowing to talk with all parties to try and work out a solution to bring the good times back.

And suggested residents-only parking zones could be in place next year.

"Long-stay parking is a problem and we do need to look into the situation," says Poulton ward's Cllr Evelyn Archer.

"But we do not want to do anything to the detriment of businesses because we want to keep them in town. Myself and the other ward councillors are aware of this issue and we are looking at consultation between ourselves, council officers and traders to try and work out some sort of solution."

She promises: "No designs have been set out and no decisions have been made yet - and there will definitely be a consultation period to discuss any complaints."