THOUSANDS of people have rejected proposals to introduce parking charges on Clevedon’s streets.

More than 40 members of the public attended a meeting of Clevedon Town Council on August 8 in the hope of encouraging members to support their campaign against the plans, which have been suggested by North Somerset Council.

If allowed to go ahead, they could see parking meters installed in numerous roads around the town centre, seafront and Hill Road areas of the town.

Linda Richards, landlady at The Royal Oak pub in Copse Road, spoke on behalf of residents in the affected areas.

She said: “We have collected in excess of 5,000 signatures from residents, businesses and visitors to Clevedon against these plans.

“Having spoken to two estate agents, they believe the value of our properties would drop by at least 10 per cent and the rental market would devalue even more.

“I implore you to stand up on our behalf as elected councillors and stop the potential destruction of our beautiful, unspoilt, Victorian town.”

Chairman of Clevedon Chamber of Trade, David Hendey, told the meeting all but one business owner in the area of Hill Road, Alexandra Road, Woodlands Road, Copse Road and The Beach had signed a petition against the plans.

He said: “This will give supermarkets and out of town shopping centres more advantages over small businesses.”

During the meeting, town councillors voted unanimously in favour of a proposal to reject the proposals and to inform North Somerset Council they would resist any measures to introduce charges.

Councillor Carl Francis-Pester said: “This would be like throwing a breeze block to a drowning man.

“If this is not about revenue for North Somerset Council then we don’t need to do it.”

Councillor Trevor Morgan labelled the proposals a ‘barmy suggestion’ at a time of recession which would have a ‘catastrophic’ effect on the town’s trade.

Councillor Linda Knott said: “The people have spoken. They have told us. That’s it, end of story”

* To sign an ongoing petition against the proposals visit www.change.org and type ‘Clevedon parking’ in the search box.