A LEADING trader has said hundreds more parking spaces are needed in Billericay to stop the town’s businesses being killed off.

Trevor Draper, chairman of the Billericay Chamber of Commerce and a high street business owner, said up to 200 extra spaces are needed as people are driving on and not stopping as they can’t find anywhere to park.

He added: “We now have the situation where I know for sure that residents bypass our town because of parking problems.

“People from outside the town are attracted into Billericay because of our independent shops and history and architecture, but we could alienate these people if nothing is done.

“We are proud our town has such history, architecture and independent shops, but if we cannot find spaces we will kill our town.”

Mr Draper is launching two petitions calling for more spaces for the town.

He has been looking into the issue for five years and produced a survey, two years ago, which suggested Billericay needed another 700 spaces to cater for those who use the town to shop in and for work.

Mr Draper decided to launch the petitions after getting the backing from Basildon and Billericay MP John Baron.

One petition will be sent to shopowners in the town centre for customers to sign, calling for the additional spaces, starting off with a target of 150 to 200 spaces.

Another petition will call for the strip of land next to the A176 to be used for a new car park, which will be sent to residents living near the site.

Mr Draper added: “These petitions go to show we want to do what is right for the town and are not just trying to line our pockets.

“What we want is more available car parking and I don’t care about how it comes or if I make money from it – I just want to see more spaces.”

The petition will be available to sign in the Billericay Cookshop and Emporium, the Olive Branch, the Billericay Bakery, Toys and Tuck, Slipped Discs, Belmonts, Lamps and Sparklers.