An enterprising trader is fighting back against a decision to hike parking fees near her business - by refunding customers the cost to park.

Parking charges were increased across Tonbridge and Malling on August 19 despite fears it could lead to lower footfall and hit the coffers of already struggling businesses.

As well as an increase in costs the times of operation were also extended until 8pm in the evening.

Previously the cut-off had been 6pm - and charges were introduced for the first time on Sundays and bank holidays.

Several prominent businesses had spoken out at council meetings earlier in the year, to warn of impending disaster.

Teresa Seema, who runs Gorgeous George, a gift shop in Tonbridge High Street, told the council in April that increased charges “would drive people to shop online or go to out-of-town centres where parking is free”.

She also warned the charges could be the “final straw that kills our High Street”.

But Karen Sochon, who owns Karen Alexandra Beauty and Well-Being at 2a Avebury Avenue in Tonbridge is fighting back.

She is offering her customers a parking validation scheme and refunding them an hour’s parking fee.

Customers need to make any purchase in her shop and show her either a photo of a current pay and display parking ticket in their car windscreen, or present their current Ringo session app on their mobile, and she will reimburse them £1.60 - the standard one-hour fee.

She said: “Since the new parking charges were introduced last month, I am among many business owners in Tonbridge worried about what these increases are going to mean to our future business prosperity.

“The increases are going to affect everybody’s decision on whether to visit, shop and eat out in Tonbridge town centre.

“So I have decided to do my bit to try to help Tonbridge High Street.

‘I hope this takes the sting out of those parking charges’

“It’s a small gesture, but I hope it will encourage shoppers not just to visit my shop, but also to stay around in the town a bit longer and visit all the wonderful independent businesses that we are lucky enough to have in the town, and keep our town centre thriving!”

Mrs Sochon first founded her business 2005, initially selling online from home before she eventually opened her shop, which includes a facial studio, just over a year ago.

She offers skincare and make-up products and personalised facial treatments.

Mrs Sochon has promised to keep her parking refund scheme going at least until January 1, 2025, and said she was hopeful that other traders might offer similar help.

She added: “I hope this takes the sting out of those parking charges.”

As part of the many changes, Tonbridge and Malling council has introduced new “nip in, nip out” free parking scheme for up to 30 minutes at six town centre short-stay car parks.

They are Bradford Street, Castle Grounds, Kinnings Row, Lamberts Yard, River Lawn and Upper Castle Field.