UP TO 100 staff move to Pontypool when County Hall closes and traders say the effect on parking will be devastating.

Torfaen council says the 70-100 workers will bring more shoppers but traders say demand for limited car parking will deter shoppers.

Pontypool trader Gaynor James runs the Individuality shop on Crane Street, and said: “It would be crazy, we’re struggling enough as it is and customers are still complaining there’s not enough parking.

“It will be devastating because if there’s even less parking customers are going to get annoyed again and go to Cwmbran because parking is so much better.”

Nigel Harris runs a fruit and vegetables stall in the Pontypool Indoor Market.

He said: “I think it’ll cause a lot of problems, there’s not enough parking and I knowa lot of the car parks are taken up by the workers already.

“I think the impact on the other workers coming into the town and being potential shoppers is not really the reality. The council needs to think about something there – it’s potentially 150 car park spaces gone.”

After the closure of County Hall in Cwmbran in March the extra staff will be based at Pearl House, the Civic Centre and Pontypool police station. Staff will also be moved to the New Inn Depot and the Gwent Police headquarters in Croesyceiliog. The council says it is still finalising howmany extra staff will be based in Pontypool.

A Torfaen council spokesman said: “We are aware of concerns around car parking.

“We are preparing a transport and green travel plan which will consider parking as well as other issues for all buildings included in the accommodationmoves, and are also exploring potential options that could increase capacity or reduce pressure on existing car parks in the town.”