AN alleged lack of support from East Devon District Council for retailers in Honiton has prompted one business owner to threaten to relocate his shop to another area.

AN alleged lack of support from East Devon District Council for retailers in Honiton has prompted one business owner to threaten to relocate his shop to another area.

Richard Pinney, of Pure Geezer, in New Street, is frustrated with lack of free parking opportunities for shoppers.

"We are all getting charged more, for less and, I feel, Honiton is being stitched up," he told the Herald.

"Free parking is being offered in Mid Devon on the last four Fridays in December.

"All East Devon District Council could offer Honiton was free parking on late night shopping night - even though we are not having one this year."

Mr Pinney added: "No help is being offered to retailers in Honiton by anybody. We are being stitched up left, right and centre and I may have to move my shop out of Honiton."

A spokesman for East Devon District Council said: "This year, the council took the initiative and made an open offer of limited free parking to towns operating a late shopping night in the run-up to Christmas.

"At Honiton, it appears there is to be no late night shopping event this year, which, of course, is a matter for the traders there. Despite this, we are extending a further offer of two hours' free parking one afternoon in December for Honiton.

"We will await a response to this offer from Honiton Town Council.

"We clearly cannot afford to offer free parking for a full day, as this would mean council tax payers subsidising free parking to an unacceptable degree and a loss of valuable income for the council.