Macclesfield's high street has reacted the news that Cheshire East Council wants to introduce parking charges in the evenings and on Sunday.

Last week, Cheshire East Council launched a consultation extend charges at its car parks to 10pm on weekdays and a Saturday, and to charge on Sundays – the tariffs for which would be in line with the rates for the rest of the week. 

Currently, paid Cheshire East Council car parks only charge for you to park there from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday.

However, the Council now seek to change the time you need to pay and display from 8am to 10pm, Monday to Sunday.

The consultation can be viewed at this link, and responded to by [email protected], with the subject 'Variation 12'.

Four extra hours every evening means 24 extra hours of paid car parking in Macclesfield from Monday to Sunday, and an extra ten hours on Sunday where parking was previously (and is currently until any consultation is approved - or indeed disapproved) free.

In total, this would be period of an extra 34 hours of paid parking each week, for which Cheshire East Council would be able to generate parking revenue from.

Macclesfield Nub News asked businesses of the town for their views on the potential changes.

Cinemac, of Roe Street. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

Cinemac is a music venue and cinema, which show films during both evenings and Sundays, and is across the road from the Cheshire East Council owned Churchill Way Car Park, and indeed the Exchange Street Car Park.

"It is going to kill the town for me, personally," said Cinemac Director Jordan Wilson.

"I have spoke with other businesses owners as well. Everyone is concerned.

"It puts more pressure on night economy like restaurants and hospitality.

Cheshire East Council has been contacted for comment. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

"I think it is a shame what they are doing to the town."

Lucie Wright runs Chestergate bar and shop Proper Sound, which is nearby to the Cheshire East-owned Town Hall Car Park, Churchill Way Car Park and Exchange Street Car Park.

"I think it will encourage drink driving," said Lucie.

"Which of course is dangerous."

Wreckless Vape Company, located opposite the Ian Curtis Mural on Mill Street. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

Thom Maggs, who owns Wreckless Vape Company on Mill Street said: "The town is already not very busy and increasing the parking charges will simply move more people to the estates like the barracks and Lyme Green, which both offer free parking in."

Danae Mayo, of Macclesfield axe throwing business The Viking Axe (located around the corner from Cheshire East Car Parks at Sunderland Street and Pickford Street said: "Well considering the fact that small businesses like mine are struggling already. This is a sure fire way to lose us more customers and will possibly result in closures.

"I've spoken with quite a few people and we've all noticed that the footfall around town has decreased massively in the last three months. I will definitely be sending an email to the council."

Richard Slater, of Henbury Travel, speaking on Facebook, was concerned on the impact it would have on the Treacle Market.

Macclesfield social media manager Dion J Sully penned an email template for people to send to the consultation email address. An excerpt read: "Venues such as Cinemac and other small businesses, including bars and restaurants, rely on affordable parking to attract customers during evenings and weekends. Extending charges could deter visitors, reducing footfall and driving people to areas with free or cheaper parking, which would negatively impact local businesses and the overall vibrancy of our town centres."

In total, 18 of Cheshire East Council's 21 Macclesfield car parks are pay and display, and would be affected by these changes.

The consultation can be viewed at this link, and responded to by [email protected], with the subject 'Variation 12'.

Cheshire East Council has been contacted for comment, in response to these comments from the local business community.