A U-TURN over increased car parking fees in West Devon could be in the pipeline after councillors demanded a rethink last week.

The recent proposal to plug a budgetary gap by increasing charges in borough council car parks prompted outrage in Tavistock and Okehampton from traders and business groups worried the increase would drive shoppers away.

The council has also appointed a car parking manager — the total cost of the post is £25,000.

Speaking at the council's policy committee meeting, Cllr David Whitcomb said there was 'great anger' in Tavistock about the proposal and demanded a review.

Cllr Whitcomb said: 'I have had a large number of representations from people about the cost of car parking charges.

'Do we need a manager? I don't think we do. I'm a local person and a lot of people have said to me "Is this really necessary?"

'We want it to be looked at again.'

Cllr Dick Eberlie said the increases had caused 'wide and considerable concern' in Tavistock and Okehampton.

He urged the council to do all it could within its 'very tight' budget, to promote the economic development of West Devon.

'We must do more to keep our towns prosperous,' he said.

Cllr Eberlie said if other councillors had received similar lobbying from members of the public, the situation should be given 'careful consideration' and the decision reconsidered if necessary.

But Cllr Peter Hill, policy committee chairman, said no more money would be given to the strategic committee which is responsible for car parking.

He said: 'They are going back to look at it. The budget is actually decided next month, so between now and then there is always a certain amount of jockeying around, but it's extremely hard, particularly this year.'

Mark Hall, the borough's head of commercial services, said: 'We are going through a formal consultation so we will be putting notices in the paper and in the car parks — people will have three weeks to respond.'

Mr Hall said councillors will go through the responses, a report will be prepared and a final decision will be made at the council's strategic development meeting in March.

The car parking supervisor has already been appointed at a salary of around £17,000 — the total cost of the post came to £25,000, said Mr Hall.

'The job is desperately needed — all the things we have been criticised for but just haven't had the bodies, that person will be able to do,' he said.

The car park supervisor will make sure health and safety standards are met in car parks, consult with the public and relevant agencies and oversee secured parking for Dolvin Road residents among other duties, Mr Hall said.

Tavistock businessman John Taylor said: 'I will continue to lobby for the existing car park rates to remain — it's important that when the increases are advertised, as many businesses as possible make their objections.'

Barry Highfield, chairman of Tavistock Chamber of Commerce, wanted an assurance the decision was not 'cast in stone'.

He said: 'We are delighted there is going to be some consultation, provided there may be a change if we produce the correct arguments.

'It's a pity we needed to go through all this fuss before this consultation took place.'