Plans to end free parking have sparked protests from hundreds of traders and householders.

Hastings Borough Council's Cabinet has agreed to press ahead with proposals for a Controlled Parking Zone in St Leonards despite opposition from businesses and residents.

The Conservative-led authority will spend up to £40,000 on consultants to look at introducing pay-and-display meters, disabled parking, loading bays and restrictions banning parking at any time in some areas.

More than 1,600 letters were sent to the council protesting against the scheme.

People are concerned payment parking would drive traders and visitors away from the town, which is among the top 10 per cent most deprived wards in the country.

Labour councillor Trevor Webb, of the Central St Leonards ward, told members it would be a "black day" for the area if the parking zones were brought in.

He said: "If you called it the Crazy Parking Zone it would be more appropriate.

"Most people don't want it and it will be disastrous for Central St Leonards.

"If it goes ahead it will be a black day for my community."

More than a quarter of retail units in St Leonards are vacant and businesses fear more will be forced to shut.

Owners of small convenience store which rely on customer loyalty believe people will shop in Hastings or out of town supermarkets with free parking.

Representatives from Hastings College, St John's Church in Brittany Road and St Mary Star of Sea Primary School in Magdalen Road complained because they use on-road parking.

Lib Dem councillor Vivienne Bond, of Gensing ward, said: "It would not be good for the central St Leonards area.

"Why consider spending money on an inter-dependent opinion when surely local opinion is what counts."

Some £23 million of investment will be made in St Leonards over the next five years, including £5.5 million on homes and shops as part of the Alpha Café Development, £4 million on housing renovation and £1.9 million to develop Marina Pavilion.

Conservative councillors in favour of the scheme said the investment would increase the demand for parking in St Leonards.

Coun Peter Finch, of the West St Leonards ward, said the new scheme would not necessarily mean paid-for parking.

He said: "We are about to spend £23 million and we owe it to that sort of money to do a proper job.

"I don't consider £25,000 to £40,000 a lot of money when it's going to be for the good of the town.

"A proposed parking area does not necessarily mean there will be a cost to park.

"We can have free parking but it is controlled for how long you can use it."

The council will complete and economic impact study which will take four to six months and report back to the cabinet within nine months.

How do you think the Controlled Parking Zone will affect trade in St Leonards? Have your say below.