Two Cornwall Councillors from South East Cornwall, supported by another 44 ‘backbenchers’ countywide, are leading the protest against proposals to increase car parking charges.

Sally Hawken (Liskeard East) and Andrew Long (Callington), have written to the chief executive Kate Kennallly and leader John Pollard asking them to intervene and put a stop to the ‘damaging and wholly inappropriate’ proposals.

They have since welcomed a response from Cllr Pollard who has promised to look at the situation urgently.

The biggest backlash has come over the proposals to introduce a £1 charge from 4pm-11pm in some car parks which are free at this time. An increase in hourly rates is also unpopular although there are plans to introduce reductions for longer stays.

Among those adding their names to the letter were Councillors Mike George (Liskeard West and Dobwalls), Roger Holmes (Liskeard North), Hilary Frank, Derek Holley, Joe Ellison and Bob Austin (all Saltash), Armand Toms (Looe East), Stephanie McWilliam (Lynher), Brian Hobbs and Mike Pearn (Torpoint), Douglas Scrafton (Par and St Blazey Gate), Derrys Watson (St Cleer), Phil Seeva (Menheniot), Benedicte Jenkinson (Lostwithiel) and Jim Candy (Trelawny).

The public consultation period over the proposals which began on November 25 ended on Friday, December 16, but Cllrs Hawken and Long are still urging anyone who wants to make a comment to email the parking services department at [email protected] or to contact their local councillors.