TRADERS think a traffic warden is so bad for business he is partly to blame for shops closing for good.

Longfield High Street has seen two stores close within a week of each other leading to fears other premises could follow suit.

News Shopper has previously reported traders' anger at a traffic warden they say scares customers away due to his zero-tolerance policy.

Now they say the ticket terror is in part to blame for businesses being driven away from Longfield.

Both video rental shop Movies and Longfield Radio closed their doors for the last time in the past month.

Emma Jones, from Longfield Village Butchers, says a combination of inadequate parking and an over-keen traffic warden have been detrimental to businesses along the high street.

And Hair Underground manager Russell Watson is worried his business could suffer the same fate if the problems are not sorted out.

Mrs Jones says the disabled bays in front of the closed stores means access is difficult.

She added anyone who did try and park outside would find the traffic warden hot on their heels.

Mrs Jones says the owners of the stores had admitted in private these problems had been an issue for their business.

Mr Watson says business has suffered since the council reduced the number of spaces on the high street and introduced traffic wardens.

He says his staff are frequently left standing around with nothing to do.

Mr Watson added: "They use Longfield to make a hell of a lot of money with the traffic warden.

"We are a long way off that (closing) but obviously over a period of time you never know."

Mrs Jones said: "You don't get many traditional high streets any more.

"It's a shame for people who have put their life into their business."

Longfield and New Barn Parish Council leader Jeremy Kite said: "Motorists must respect the work traffic wardens are doing but we are looking to revive the traffic system in Longfield to make it easier for people to shop and visit."