My Bristol butchers is offering free home deliveries because of council parking charges

The Butcher’s Hook in Staple Hill says the measures have had a major negative impact on high street businesses since they were introduced by South Gloucestershire Council.

It comes after another butchers recently blamed the charges for having to close one of its shops in Kingswood.

The council said it will be monitoring the scheme over the coming months.

In a Facebook post, the Butcher’s Hook wrote: “Since the council introduced parking charges, it has had a major negative impact on the high street businesses, so here at the Butcher’s Hook we are offering FREE home deliveries again.

“We have also reduced minimum orders from £45 to £30.

“Help support the High Street shops.”

A number of people in the comments have expressed support for the butchers, which has over 60 years’ experience.

Louise Pross Prosser wrote: “South Glos Council should be ashamed. This is the second butchers I have seen affected now by this issue!”

Simon Peacock added: “As per usual the council are squeezing every last penny out of us. Disgraceful.”

And Melanie Karen said: “The council are a disgrace killing off the high street!”

South Gloucestershire Council introduced charges for its car parks on May 19, with them in force from 8am to 6pm Monday to Saturday.

Drivers now pay 70p for the first hour in short-stay car parks, rising to £5 for up to four hours.

The fee for parking in long-stay car-parks ranges from £3 for the first four hours, up to £5 for six hours.

A spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council told BristolWorld: “The impact of the new parking scheme will take some time to assess, and we will be monitoring it over the coming months and comparing it against the baseline that we have already taken.

“We have had to take this step to help us meet the budgetary challenges we are faced with to support all of our local communities, including through regeneration work, but also supporting those in the community who need us the most.”