STRUGGLING traders in Ashburton are needlessly losing vital revenue on a daily basis because there are not enough car parking spaces, the town's chamber of trade has complained.

Chairman John Fisher launched a fierce attack on town councillors, who he accused of letting down the people who voted them into power.

He claimed they had been very quiet in promoting Ashburton 'for which they promised the electorate so much.'

'We would have more protection and representation if we were ponies and sphagnum moss, or new age travellers and goat suckers,' he thundered.