Traders in Stretford Mall claim business is already suffering as many customers are boycotting the centre because of the new charges.

Management deny trade is down and have refused to comment.

Michael Walsh who is registered disabled and lives in nearby, said disabled people are furious.

Block access

The decision was made two weeks ago to increase parking fees to 40p an hour including disabled drivers.

"They seem to think disabled drivers are a nuisance," said Mr Walsh.

Now I'm elderly and disabled it is the only place I can get to Catherine Jones

"We are going to block access to the car park on the busiest day of the week.

Mr Walsh said the protesters want to make shoppers and businesses inside the centre aware of the issue.

One trader reported that a former customer had gone to a nearby superstore and came back to show the till receipt of how much business he had lost that week.

Pensioner Catherine Jones, who has been shopping at the centre since it opened in 1969,said, "I think it is disgusting.