CORNWALL residents have three weeks to give their views on proposed car parking increases which include a 150% hike in the first hour charge in Callington.

The town's representative on Cornwall Council, Andrew Long, says it is vital that as many members of the public and traders respond to the consultation so the clearest message can be sent to the council's cabinet, which will make a decision next month.

South East Cornwall councillors have reacted with anger following the decision to reject the proposal of the parking policy panel at Cornwall Council on a phased increase in parking charges across the former Caradon district.

Cornwall Council has recommended a 50p first hour charge across the whole county, except in the larger towns, which will mean a rise of 30p in Callington.

Cllr Long said: 'This is a smack in the teeth for the panel members who have worked hard to come to a recommendation on such a difficult issue.

'It is also devastating for the traders in our struggling town centres. They will have every right to feel betrayed by this decision.'

'The effect of this decision, if finally agreed by the cabinet, will be to condemn the future of our town centres, which are struggling to compete with the might of the multi-national supermarkets.

'It is also a flagrant attempt to ignore Central Government policy, which is designed to protect our town centre viability.'

Callington traders, who are angry over the proposal, have said that the £145,000 community contribution from Tesco as part of its planning permission to build in the town, should be spent on reducing car parking fees in the town rather than on a one-way system.

The council's cabinet member for transportation and highways Graeme Hicks said it was understood the changes were substantial in some places but it was important to recognise that keeping things as they were was not an option.

He said the recommendations of the parking policy panel had been taken on board but the aim of the changes was to ensure there was a fair and consistent charging policy across the whole of Cornwall.

He said the changes reflected the needs of residents and businesses whilst taking into account the need by the council to raise money to help fund other services.

The consultation period ends on December 3.

The strength of feeling in Callington about the proposed increase in parking fees has prompted a meeting in the town on November 26.

Callington portreeve Karen Gold has arranged the meeting so that Graeme Hicks, Cornwall Council's portfolio holder for parking can come and talk to local businesses about the proposals.

The meeting will be held in the town hall at 5.30pm.