TRADERS have condemned controversial plans by Southampton City Council transport bosses to sell off city centre car parks.

Shopkeepers in Bedford Place - including the owner of the 200-year-old shoe shop French's - say the planned closure and sell off of two car parks off Amoy Street and Bedford Place would damage trade in the area.

News of the planned sell-off was revealed in Monday's Daily Echo.

City bosses are consulting over plans to close car parks on either side of Amoy Street - plus another short stay car park in Bedford Place.

The scheme would see about 130 car parking spaces being lost in the northern shopping area of the city.

The proposals were drawn-up by the then ruling Labour group during February's budget. The sites would be sold for development if city bosses give the final go-ahead to the scheme.

Richard French, whose family runs French's, said: "The council seem to want all development to go to WestQuay. The Bedford Place car park is just in the right place for our businesses."

He was backed by trader Roy Mountford, who runs the Runner Beans traditional wooden toy shop in Bedford Place.

Mr Mountford, 68, said: "We all think that the planned closure will have a significant impact on the shopping in the area. The parking here and in Amoy Street is very convenient for people. The Bedford Place car park is the most practical car park for shops in Bedford Place."

Mr Mountford's daughter Karen, 42, who runs the nearby Buffet Car take away and sandwich bar, added: "It will kill off a lot of trade for all of us.

"Many people park at Bedford Place and pop in here for sandwiches."

A spokesman for the City Council said: "Like any good business, the city council regularly consults on a wide range of possibilities. This consultation will be no different. There has been no decision taken yet on whether to close either of the car parks but we are keen to know what local people think and value local traders' views as much as anyone else's."