An “unexpected hike” in parking prices has left the owner of one of Barkingside’s vintage businesses shocked and horrified.

Karen Quigley, owner of Byron Barbers in Broadway Market, expressed severe concern over the impact of rising car parking fees in Barkingside’s Craven Gardens car park.

A £4 increase has seen the cost of parking here rise from £6 to £10 for parking sessions of more than three hours.

Karen told the Recorder that this came as an “unexpected hike” with “no warning” from Redbridge Council.

She said it left her in a state of "shock and horror".

"How can Redbridge Council justify an increase of £4 a day?"

Byron Barbers has been in Broadway Market since 1931, making it one of Barkingside's oldest businesses.

Having owned the barber shop since 2006, Karen has kept the business afloat during recent challenging times including Covid lockdowns and today’s cost of living struggles.

But with prices rising all around her, she fears for the future of her shop.

She believes the 30 minutes of free parking allows her clients just enough time to squeeze in visits but leaves no opportunity for time-costly friendly conversation.

“A lot of my customers park in that car park”, she said. 

“Because I work appointments only, they know they’ll be seen in a set time. If I didn’t, I don’t think I’d have my customers anymore."

This rise in prices is likely to place other local firms at risk, she fears.

Redbridge Council has not responded to a request for comment.