Motorists in Sandbach will get free parking this Saturday (14 March) at five Cheshire East Council run car parks - following pressure from traders.

Sarah Ellershaw, a partner at Burnell's cards and gift shop in Congleton Road, contacted her local councillors at Sandbach Town Council when she found out the fun fair was coming to town closing the town's biggest free car park.

Sarah said she didn't know Scotch Common car park, a free car park in the centre of Sandbach, was being closed from 12 noon on Thursday (12 March) until 8 am on Monday (16 March) until about a week ago.

She said: "It's Mother's Day weekend, the Makers Market is on and the town will be full of shoppers with nowhere to park.

"It wouldn't matter if they had moved it to the week before or the week after. It's just bad timing.

"We had no idea until the signs went up. We order our stock a year in advance and Mother's Day is one of our busiest weekends."

Sandbach Town Council said: "The Little Common car park (outside Morrisons) which is also free will be open all weekend and we have arranged FREE parking on Saturday 14th March only at the following town centre car parks - Brookhouse Road (lower car park), Chapel Street, Crown Bank, Hawk Street and Well Bank.

"On-street parking restrictions will remain in place over the weekend as usual."

The spokesperson added: "We hope that everyone has a fantastic time at the Spring Wakes Fair in Sandbach. It's a great opportunity for families to have fun together in town and we are delighted to see the Fair return again this year."

But not all shop owners are happy as they are concerned about the loss of the spaces on Scotch Common in the town centre.

Hollie Patterson, co-owner of The Flower Shop in Congleton Road said: "There is a lack of consideration and support for local businesses. There won't be enough parking spaces on what is a busy weekend with Mother's Day and the monthly market.

"Scotch Common will close at 12 noon on Thursday (12 March) and free parking is only allowed at the five car parks for one day on Saturday. It just doesn't cut it."

Cheshire East Council has been approached for a comment.

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