A MUSIC shop in Shrewsbury last week displayed a sign on its window which said: "Due to the increasing costs, high rates and the morons who make Shrewsbury's parking policies and the wardens who enforce them making our customers' lives a misery, we have decided to withdraw our business from the high street."

When I read that, I thought that it summed up the current situation that high street shops are facing.

And with news that the multi-storey car park in Hereford is due to close in a couple of weeks for up to five months, I can see many shops in our city struggling.

Councillor Graham Powell, cabinet member for infrastructure, said that he is "absolutely confident" that remaining car parking facilities, plus the creation of some temporary surface-level parking, will handle the demand.

That may be so, but who will be bothered to go into the city centre to try it out?

I normally only go into town at lunchtimes during the working week and even then some of the car parks are busy.

And if I go venture in on a Saturday, I usually park at at a relative’s home near the Courtyard.

I would much rather do that and walk into town, then drive around to find an available spot, plus I don't have to spend any money.

So when one of the city's main car parks will close for five months, I can only see it causing more problems.

I know a lot of people who prefer to shop in Worcester or Cheltenham than Hereford, because there are less traffic problems and it's easier to park.

It leaves me fearing for the shop owners in Hereford.

They are already facing tough times in the current economic climate and many have been forced to close.

I just hope that there won't be any further casualties and the people of Hereford continue to support them.