"United we stand". That is the message traders in Caldicot are sending out to Monmouthshire County Council, as they prepare to fight the introduction of car-parking charges across the county.

Many traders in the town centre feel the move will seriously impact on their businesses by deterring customers shopping in the town, effectively "killing off Caldicot."

Unlike many other towns in the county, all of Caldicot's car parks are currently free.

Heather Glover, who runs Country Flowers with her daughter, Cathy Edwards, said: "It's bound to have an effect on such a small town - people just won't be prepared to pay to shop here."

Mrs Edwards added: "There isn't enough of a variety of shops in Caldicot as it is, so people aren't going to pay to come here."

Leanne Chapman, who owns Chapman's Discounts, said: "I am very concerned that if this goes ahead, then I will basically be having to close the doors. It's difficult enough as it is for small businesses at the moment.

"We've seen what happened between Newport and Cwmbran because of the difference in parking charges. Everyone now goes to Cwmbran because they have free car parking, and those are big towns - can you imagine what will happen here."

Pearl Southall, of Richard James Clothing said the council's decision would "crucify the town," adding: "They need to revamp the town - not kill it off."

Dan Grimes, who owns Rock and Roller Tattoo Parlour said that his business brought people in to the town and that an added cost to consider would be unreasonable. He said: "I have clients come in from as far as Cardiff, and those clients then will go round the other shops too, which benefits everyone. People can be in here for two to three hours having tattoos and they already pay enough without having extra costs to consider." Owners from Bargain Booze, Cobbler's Pride and Weeks' Fish and Chip Shop all echoed the remarks made by the other traders arguing the charges would stop people coming to the town and impact on their revenue. Tara Porter, of Cobbler's Pride added: "Our rates are already high enough - this will kill the town off."

Caldicot Councillor, John Marshall is backing the residents and businesses over the issue.

He has gathered over 1,000 signatures on a petition which he will submit to the full council meeting tomorrow (January 13) at County Hall.

Monmouthshire councillors have agreed to consult all affected towns and are currently holding a number of special meetings with town councils and Chambers of Commerce in Chepstow, Caldicot and Usk. The move comes as Monmouthshire seeks to ensure a consistent approach to parking.

Monmouthshire's regeneration officer Kellie Beirne said: "The council is reviewing its car parking provision across the county. We wish to take a consistent approach to the issue."