THE decision to introduce Sunday parking charges and unfair business rates could force more shops to close, industry experts have warned.

Developments including the changes in parking, Low Emission Zones, a proposed congestion charge and the National Living Wage have been slammed by the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce.

The business voice has spoken out after findings revealed that Glasgow had the highest number of store closures in Scotland last year.

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Figures show closures have risen to more than five a week across the country, with 53 more closing than opening in Glasgow.

A period of the tough trading has forced a number of businesses to close at a faster rate than major cities including Aberdeen and Edinburgh.

The Beast from the East and bad weather have been blamed for the downturn in footfall but industry experts suggest the situation could worsen if preventative measures are not put in place.

In recent months, the city has been hit with closures including BHS, Dunnes Stores, Greaves Sports and the announcement that New Look men on Buchanan Street will be shutting up shop.

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The Sauchiehall Street fire is also likely to impact businesses in the area with some unable to open for up to three months and a portion of the street being out of bounds.

Glasgow Chamber of Commerce chief executive Stuart Patrick, said: “The primary shopping areas like Buchanan Street are holding up well, but there’s no doubt online shopping is impacting on the secondary areas at a faster rate than envisioned.

“We can’t afford to take the city centre for granted, and the findings of the report reinforce the importance of exercising caution in any developments that are a disincentive to city centre shoppers or that add costs to city centre businesses.

“This includes such matters as Low Emission Zone plans, a proposed congestion charge, the introduction of Sunday parking charges, unfair business rates and the impact of the National Living Wage.”

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As previously reported by the Evening Times, the SNP administration voted to introduce Sunday parking charges in city centre streets where it was previously free in February.

It will raise an expected £400,000 a year and will take the cost of parking in the city centre zone from £3 an hour to £4 an hour.

Deputy Lord Provost Philip Braat said the downfall of Glasgow’s high street’s has not happened by accident.

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The councillor for city centre, added: “Glasgow is the engine room of the Scottish economy. This did not happen by accident – it happened because of a concerted effort between Glasgow City Council, businesses and citizens across the city.

“Glasgow is the best shopping destination in the UK outside of London. Our city fought hard for that prize, and it is a prize worth keeping.

“I know, particularly as the local member for the city centre, that these small businesses are often the lifeblood of local communities, and critical to our economy.

“To see such extensive closures of high street shops is deeply troubling. It is also indicative of the current (SNP) administration lacking ambition for our City and shows that this current administration is neglecting its economic leadership role.

“We can and must do more to support our small businesses in the city.”

Shop owners on Byres Road in Glasgow’s West End have previously raised concerns about the rates and rents, and say the number of chains on the thoroughfare is causing problems.

It comes after Bernard Corrigan was forced to close his fishmongers and historic toyshop Sentry Box closed their doors for a final time.

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Dr Noreen Siddiqui, senior lecturer in business and marketing at Glasgow Caledonian University, said she was not surprised by the findings.

She said: “Internet sales have been surpassing high street retailers for the past 10 years.

“A lot of the change has to do with smartphones.

“Most people are now browsing and in most cases they’re doing it on their mobile phones.

“Retailers need to look at how to offer customers a different experience, a more sensual experience and accommodates all of the senses.

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“This could be making changing rooms more appealing and maybe a sharing experience.

“You can compare parking charges with the cost of delivery for someone shopping online. If online is cheaper, it’s usually more convenient.

“Convenience used to be location but online has taken that out of the equation.”