Strong pressure from councillors has led to Cornwall Council rethinking unpopular proposals to increase parking charges and introduce a new evening charge in its car parks.

A decision on whether to proceed with the plans is expected soon and, if given the go-ahead, the increases would be in force by April 1.

The proposals led to a huge outcry, and to 50 councillors county-wide signing a letter asking council leader John Pollard and chief executive Kate Kennally to intervene.

The campaign is spearheaded by Callington’s Andrew Long and Liskeard’s Sally Hawken, and now prominent business leaders in both towns have also spoken out in support of their efforts.