TRADERS in one of the Lake District's most popular and picturesque villages say their businesses are at serious risk in the wake of massive car parking fee increases.

The cost of Hawkshead parking permits this month rose threefold, from £50 to £150 a year, and in 2004 will go up another 100 per cent to £300.

Particularly hard hit are hotel and guesthouse owners, who buy permits for their visitors, as the picture postcard village has virtually no independent parking spaces.

Tony Merrick, landlord of the Queen's Head Hotel, faces increases of £4,500, which he says he will have to recoup by upping his charges.

Hawkshead Traders' secretary Rob Treeby said the "diabolical and outrageous increases" had dire consequences for his members, adding they might lead to the collapse of some businesses.

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Collins led a swingeing attack on the Lake District National Park Authority, which has imposed the new rates, saying he was "absolutely shocked by the crass and unsympathetic treatment of local businesses".

He is calling on the authority to reverse its decision - particularly as the village suffered so badly in the foot-and-mouth crisis.

"Businesses are still struggling to recover. This is a stab in the back and the last thing they need. The NPA says it is sympathetic to local residents and businesses and the need to keep them vibrant. This is a good test case."

Hilary Mills, a director in Summitreks, said her company permits had cost £150. By next year they will be £1,000.

"This is horrendous and discriminatory. Workers in our other outlets can choose where they park, there is no choice in Hawkshead. It really does go against the local workforce."

Mark Whitehouse, of Hawkshead Relish Company, said "the rip-off" could almost be tolerated, if the increased revenues were being returned to the village, but they were obviously not.

"No one will want to linger longer here. They will get what they want and move quickly on."

Many traders said the NPA seemed to be actively trying to discourage tourists. They voiced outrage at a meeting on Monday night.

Retail and recreation manager for the LDNPA Guy Huxtable said increasing car parking charges would never be popular. This was the first total review since 1995, which is why increases "might appear to be above normal".

April 17, 2003 18:00