The recommendation to Scarborough Council's cabinet on Tuesday follows a petition drawn up by traders which attracted more than 2,500 signatures. They fear the removal of parking spaces will devastate their business on one of the town's most thriving shopping streets – about 300 cars a day use the spaces.

More than 140 others signed a special form in the Evening News objecting to the proposed loss of spaces. The paper's campaign posters can be seen in many of the shops.

The council claimed the move was necessary to ensure the smooth flow of the new park and ride buses which will start later this year. The plan would have involved moving the parking spaces to Royal Avenue.

In his report to the cabinet, council head of technical services John Riby suggests the proposals are deferred while they monitor the impact of the parking on the efficiency of the new park and ride services for up to six months.

If delays are experienced by the buses then officials will consult with the traders and others and also consider a lay-by for cars to park.

Neil Metcalf, of Westbourne Grove, who helped organise the petition with Michael Cockill of Cockill's Lighting, said: "The recommendation gives us tremendous heart.

"We feel that if we had not raised the petition these places would have been lost and they would have put double yellow lines there."

Now, the protesters plan to be outside the town hall before the start of the cabinet meeting on Tuesday and then listen to the debate in the public gallery.

Butcher Tony Gibson said: "At least we have got somebody looking at it so it is not cut and dried. We would like to thank the Evening News for its support."

Karen Bishop, who runs a dry cleaners and launderette, said: "We have elderly customers so they need to park near our place."

Susan Bailey, of the Treats cafe, said: "It proves from the response of people that they value this area and want to keep it as it is."

Penny Alport, of Heaps the Chemists, said: "If it is deferred then it will have been worth all the effort."

Jamie-Lee Jackson, of Escapism hairdressers, said: "We want to keep the parking."

Ann Wyatt, of Independent Home Living, said: " We are delighted they have been listening to local businesses and residents."

Jackie Gibson, of delicatessen Gibsons at 25, said: "It is good news and they should also consider that parked cars help to slow down on a busy road which is a bonus as there are a lot of pedestrians around."

Peter Thundercliffe, of the Fruits from the Sea fish shop, said: "It is good news as far as it goes but we will have to wait and see what happens."

Cllr Andrew Backhouse, the council's cabinet member for transport, said: "The recommendations are there because we do listen to people and we will monitor, which may help us to inform us as to whether other options may be more appropriate."

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