BARRY families visiting the popular Captain's Wife in Swanbridge will not lose out because of the new pay-and-display parking scheme.

New proprietors Sarah Steele, 27, and Lee Davies, 30, have countered recent criticism by saying it is their business that suffers, not the customers.

They say families are actually getting a better service, as the scheme has helped to get rid of people parking, drinking their own drinks, scattering takeaway boxes and playing loud music.

It comes after residents criticised the scheme which charges £1 for two hours, £2 for three hours, £3 for four hours and £5 for a full day with a £50 penalty for not displaying (Car park fees 'accident risk', May 23).

Sunderland-born Sarah, who has a son Callum aged 18 months, said: "We can refund the £1 when customers buy food or drinks. When the two hours runs out, they can get another ticket and again we'll refund the money.

"We're losing money when we give the £1 back. We have to put it through our till as expenses. We don't get it back. The money goes to Local Parking Securities, who run the scheme."

The scheme was implemented by owners Whitbread one week after Sarah and Lee moved in. Since then, they have faced a barrage of customer complaints.

But Manchester-born Lee said: "Local residents have come to us saying they've already seen an improvement with regard to loud music being played by drivers and drinking alcohol bought elsewhere."

He added: "We don't want customers losing out. If people have a genuine complaint, we'll see what we can do."

They also commented on Cllr Anthony Ernest's claims that there could be an accident due to people discovering the scheme and u-turning.

Sarah said: "There's no need for an accident, there's a roundabout. The only problem is the 60mph speed limit down Beach Road."