Gwent | Archive | 2001 | August | 7
From the South Wales Argus, first published Tuesday 7th Aug 2001.
SHOPPERS in Blackwood were dismayed yesterday when they found parking charges in the town had apparently doubled overnight.
Some vowed never to shop in Blackwood again after discovering that one hour's parking seemed to have risen from 30p to 80p.
However, it soon emerged they were the victims of a prankster, who has been condemned by angry traders.
The graffiti "artist" used a marker pen to change the price of one hour of parking from 30p to 80p, and the charge for up to two hours from 50p to £1.50.
Now traders fear such graffiti could put people off coming to Blackwood to shop - at a time when parking prices have already risen recently.
June Morgan, owner of Gold Line Jewellers in High Street, Blackwood, said: "People have been in here saying they are appalled and that they won't shop in Blackwood again."
One young mum from Newbridge, who shops in Blackwood regularly, told the Argus she had paid £1.50 for two hour's parking.
"I thought it was a lot to pay for two hours - it was only 50p last time I was here," she said. "Then I realised it must be wrong."
Blackwood councillor Kevin Etheridge said he was disgusted at the graffiti.
Caerphilly council workers arrived to clean up the graffiti yesterday afternoon. "We are very sorry that some people have paid too much for their car parking because of this act of vandalism," a council spokesman said.
*PICTURED: Parking attendant Tom James wipes off the graffiti.
© Newsquest Media Group 2008