Shop owners have spoken out about their fears that their businesses will be damaged by the decision to charge blue badge holders for parking.

Small businesses in Epsom Upper High Street have joined our campaign to keep the badge free this week because they fear blue badge holders may choose to go to neighbouring boroughs where they will not have to pay to park.

Mark Eggleston, owner of Cafe Metro, on Upper High Street has claimed many small shops, which are already struggling in the current economic climate, may lose custom and be in an even worse position if the decision to impose parking charges is maintained.

He said: “Disabled residents from Sway House and other places come to my business every day and if I lost their custom I’d be doomed.

"We think the council should be doing a bit more to push small businesses forward in the circumstances that we’re faced with at the moment.

“We, local businessmen, oppose this charge because shops are already struggling in the area and many have closed in the past couple of years.

"We would like local disabled people to be able to enjoy our local shops without having to pay for parking.”

In February, Residents’ Association councillors voted in favour of scrapping free parking for blue badge holders, in a series of swingeing budget cuts, despite opposition from disabled residents and groups, councillors and the MP for Epsom and Ewell, Chris Grayling.

The Epsom Guardian has since been appealing for councillors to change their minds and reverse their decision.

Epsom and Ewell Liberal Democrat councillors are also supporting our campaign by collecting signatures for a petition against the charges.

The Epsom Access Group will meet with council officers at the Town Hall Council Chamber today (Thursday, March 25) at 10.30am, to discuss the decision and to give their views on the issue.

To sign the online petition, go to ipetitions.com/petition/bluebadge.