TRADERS in the borough have been rocked by the revelation that the council may seek the extension of a controlled parking zone (CPZ). Brent Council have asked the owners of the Gaumont State in Kilburn High Road to contribute �20,000 towards undertaking

TRADERS in the borough have been rocked by the revelation that the council may seek the extension of a controlled parking zone (CPZ).

Brent Council have asked the owners of the Gaumont State in Kilburn High Road to contribute �20,000 towards undertaking a review on the CPZ in the area, the Kilburn Controlled Parking Zone KD.

This could result in the extension of the CPZ operational hours in the area, which currently operates between 8.30am and 6.30 pm Mondays to Fridays, to apply at evenings and weekends.

Ann Hurn, trader at J&A toiletries on Kilburn High Road, said: "That's an absolute joke, if they do that they will kill businesses on the high road.

"It's been bad enough since they put parking machines everywhere. Our business has taken a drop because of the credit crunch and the lack of car parking - customers tell us they shop at Tesco instead. It's killing little businesses."

The review of the CPZ may be on-going over a number of years as the church expands, which anticipates up to 60 staff and an initial maximum congregation of up to 1,000 people on Sunday mornings and evenings.

The council estimates that 223 cars will be driven by staff and church attendees on Sundays, and while the car park will provide 50 car-parking spaces, the remainder would seek on-street car parking space.

Cllr Mary Arnold, Kilburn ward, said: "Traffic congestion is a major concern for everyone but the free week-end parking on the Brent side is seen to work well for traders and shoppers alike and is much envied."

"The council turned down the proposal to review incoming car usage instead of taking the �20,000 but it has not consulted residents, who object to bank holiday parking enforcement, about imposing parking restrictions on Sunday.

"It could be another blow for the businesses."

A spokeswoman from Brent Council said: "Even though the planning application has been approved, subject to a contribution from the developers towards the cost of reviewing the CPZ, the council would still not make any changes to existing arrangements without undertaking a thorough consultation with residents beforehand.