PETITIONS comprising over 1,100 signatures against proposals to increase parking charges in Launceston were handed in to the Cornwall Council One Stop Shop last Thursday.

A large contingent of local traders and business owners came along to the handing over of the petitions, joined by Mayor of Launceston Paul O'Brien, North Cornwall MP Dan Rogerson and Cornwall Councillors Alex Folkes and Sasha Gillard-Loft.

The petition was organised by Marina Ellis and Bryony Trueman from Variety Insurance Services in the town.

"Launceston is a town with many small and independent shops and services," said Marina. "We are proud of the range of businesses in our town, but these will be threatened if Cornwall Council imposes the new charges.

"Over the last week we have circulated petitions to the shops and businesses in our town centre and we have had a fantastic response from both staff and customers. We started off hoping to get around 500 names but have been overwhelmed by the support we have received.

"Cornwall Council wants to raise charges for all but the first hour. We fear that this will price many shoppers out of coming to our town. Many will use out of town superstores or drive to Exeter or Plymouth instead."

Bryony added: "We are also concerned about the proposal to increase season ticket prices from £195 to at least £600. Most shop workers simply cannot afford to pay that much. Those firms which pay for their staff's parking have told us that they will have to think again.

"This decision was taken by a group of councillors who have little or no knowledge of the challenges we face in Launceston. They haven't bothered to visit here or ask us what we think.

"We are asking the council to think again about these increases. Car parking is not a cash machine. You cannot simply take out as much money as you want. If they go ahead, our town will suffer and shops will close."

At the handing in of the petitions Bryony and Marina expressed their gratitude at seeing such strong support for their campaign, before adding their distaste at the way the parking situation in Launceston is being handled.

For more pictures and reports on how Cornwall Council budget cuts will affect parts of the 'Post' area see this week's 'Post'.