"THE COUNCIL is killing our business".

That is the claim from a group of Feltham shopkeepers who say they have lost 40 per cent of their customers after the council painted double yellow lines on a loading bay.

Shopkeepers operating along Station Parade, Hounslow Road, have slammed the authority for the move, which has seen dozens of customers turn their backs on the trading premises.

The business owners say the lines were painted on the bay just four weeks ago, but since then, many customers have been stung for £50 for parking there. The shopkeepers have taken matters into their own hands by putting their own signs up to warn customers of traffic enforcement cameras, which are now being used to fine drivers using the bay.

They are also going to start a petition.

Ramesh Varsani, who runs Londis, said: "We have lost a lot of business, around 40 per cent. We are struggling as it is, and now it's getting worse. It will kill our business.

"People pop into the shop to get something for £1 and then come out to find they have to pay £50 for a ticket".

His colleague Saba Elanganathan said around 50 Londis customers have received tickets since the changes were made.

Steve Lucas, who runs Lucas Displays, said there is no reason for the camera to start fining people for using the loading bay as there have been "no accidents for a long time".

The sign states that only heavy goods vehicles can use the bay between 10am and 4pm.

He said: "My customers come out carrying glass and large frames, they can't park far away and then carry them all that distance. I need to load things from 7am or 8am in the morning, 10am is too late.

"I just don't know why they have done this. It's making things really difficult for us now".

Sam Gragousian, who owns Sam's House Clearance, said he has also lost nearly half of his business since the camera became effective.

He said: "This is going to kill my business. We are paying these rates to the council and this is what we get. They are not helping small businesses at all".

Raj Sarna, from Kash Superstores, said he had also lost around 40 per cent of his customers as a result.

He said: "We are losing so much money and it feels like there is nothing we can do".

The council denied the recent repainting of the lines, saying they were in place since March this year. A spokesman said: "Numerous concerns were received from local residents in this area over very near misses when using the zebra crossing. The reduction in the number of lanes was achieved by cutting the bus lane short and constructing a build out to extend the footway into the nearside lane previously occupied by the bus lane. This scheme, apart form improving conditions for pedestrians, also had a positive benefit for the local shops because three parking bays were provided along the kerbside where parking was previously restricted by the zig-zag markings for the zebra crossing. No changes were made to the Loading Bay just south of the junction with Nursery Close.

"Our staff are more than happy to meet with the traders to discuss if there is scope to accommodate their requirements."