Business leaders have warned jobs could be lost and visitors driven away if proposals for a parking scheme in a congested town centre get the go-ahead.

Lewes Chamber of Commerce says the plans for the town could make it difficult for firms to recruit staff.

The chamber says the eight zones proposed appeared "unnecessarily bureaucratic" and would cost a lot of money to enforce, necessitating a "draconian" level of fines.

East Sussex County Council wants to charge for on-street parking in central Lewes, dividing the town into zones and reserving spaces for residents.

The council is leafleting businesses and residents to seek their views.

The chamber says it is disappointed not to have received an official copy of the proposals, which could be in force by 2003.

In a statement, the chamber agreed town-centre parking was a problem and welcomed attempts to improve enforcement and the creation of spaces.

But it raised concerns criticising the provision for loading and unloading at business premises and suggested one zone covering all residential areas would be preferable, with residents' permits entitling them to park across the town.

The chamber says long-term car parks are needed for people such as council employees.

The statement says: "Any system must be seen as fair if it is not to deter visitors and shoppers from coming to Lewes. After all, many local towns have free parking and shoppers and visitors might go there rather than Lewes."

The council says the aim is to provide safe, convenient and managed parking for residents, shoppers and businesses and permits would be available to businesses for essential use.

The public has until the end of November to submit comments on the proposals.