TWO Newport businesses fear they will have to leave the city if the council can’t help resolve their parking problems.

Sarah Williams, of estate agent Knights Properties Ltd, says she and her staff face a daily battle to find a spaces near their office on Blewitt Street, Baneswell, because it nearly all are reserved for residents.

She says they often have to park up to 15 minutes away, which adds to journey times and impacts the number of property viewings they can do in a day.

Ms Williams, who runs three cars from the business, says staff are getting at least two parking tickets a week from Gwent Police – sometimes when they are unloading their cars.

She has written to the council and the police asking for help, but has been told she must either park in the nearby Cambrian Centre car park or buy a business permit costing £1,000 a year per car – both of which she cannot afford.

She said: "It just seems like they aren’t willing to help us. It’s currently like they are driving us out of the city centre."

Tom Casey who runs Wildside Reptiles on the same road, says the lack of parking is putting his customers off.

He believes the council should do more to support local businesses.

He said: "It’s illogical, it’s very, very frustrating. We are trying our hardest to run a small business in Newport and this is a major obstacle in our way."

Mr Casey, who has run his business from the property for 15 years, said he didn't want to move from Newport but said he had been approached by agents working for Cwmbran Shopping asking him to move to the development where parking is free.

He said: "All we are asking for is the same rights as everyone else in the street. Small businesses should be looked after."

Newport council failed to respond to a request for a comment.