Wiltshire Council has agreed to carry out a review of car parking charges in Salisbury in 2014, but local MP John Glen has said this won't automatically fix all local retailers' problems.
The city is home to several independent stores, including DIY retailers Teed Tools and In-Excess, who both already face competition from neighbouring B&Q, Homebase, Screwfix and Wickes stores. According to Mr Glen, shoppers in Salisbury are more concerned with "looking for the cheapest price" and cuts in salaries, meaning less discretionary spend for 'luxury items'.

Mr Glen was speaking at a barbecue organised by Salisbury and District Chamber of Commerce last week. He was challenged by local retailer Theresa Wood, who pointed out the excess of empty shops in the town centre, adding that car parking charges "do make a difference."

Just last month ironmongery store Dentons in nearby Chippenham closed down due, in part, to the loss of local parking facilities in the locality. At the time, owner Paul Thatcher told diyweek.net that trade had steadily declined ever since the local car park was closed and new flats built on the site.

Diyweek.net is currently running a poll asking retailers whether car parking charges are negatively impacting on their business. Take part here.