Residents in protest over plan to end free car park

COUNCIL WANTS TO CHARGE FOR PARKING NEAR GREEN SPACE

- By ANDY PHILLIPS

PLANS to introduce charges for Torpoint's last remaining free car park have been met with opposition from a community group, which says residents will be 'priced out' of accessing adjacent green space.

Torpoint Town Council has also objected to the plan by Cornwall Council to bring in charges to the car park at The Lawn, at Thanckes Park, which also provides parking for bowlers using Torpoint Bowls Club.

Cornwall Council has stressed a consultation into the proposals is ongoing, and said in a statement that it is seeking views from residents to introduce charging between 9am and 4pm, with the first hour free and a £2 'all day' charge.

The community group Friends of Thanckes Park has campaigned against parking charges on the site, saying those already struggling with the cost of living should not face an additional charge for using the green space.

The group, which is chaired by Samm Bickle, has said the charges could create problems for the bowling club and may also see nearby residential roads clogged by cars as drivers seek to avoid charges.

A spokesperson for the group said there was a 'real groundswell of objection' to the charges.