A BRIDPORT town councillor is prepared to take direct action to stop on-street parking meters being introduced.

Coun Phil Lathey’s move follows a 3,000-strong petition collected within a week.

The petition has empathised the strength of local feeling against plans to replace the one-hour free parking spaces in East, West and South streets.

At a town council planning meeting, Coun Phil Lathey said, if he had to, he would stand in the way to stop the pay and display machines being installed.

He said: “I am happy to stand on the street and stop the parking meters being fitted. I am that passionate about it.”

Fellow councillors were unanimous in their opposition to introducing on-street charges – accusing Dorset County Council of ignoring democracy and the wishes of residents.

Coun Martin Ray said contrary to the county council’s assertions charging for on-street parking had been far from successful in Swanage or Dorchester.

Coun Ray said: “They say it is not for raising funds but they want compensation if we don’t let them use parking meters on market days.”

Coun Ros Kayes said the scheme was ‘wrong-headed’.

She said: “One size does not fit all. It is not right for Bridport because it will impact on the market but also in an area of relatively low income it will impact on the number of people using the shops.”

Coun Dave Rickard said it would be a ‘travesty of justice’ if the county council went ahead with its plans.

He said: “They tried to make it sound as if there is evidence that this has worked elsewhere yet they haven’t provided any.

“I have spoken to traders in Dorchester who have said it has been a disaster.

“They haven’t given any evidence on some of their other outrageous claims that it is going to be safer, that it is going to be environmentally friendly and it will stop people parking all day.

“This is a complete nonsense.

“If this goes through it will be a complete travesty of justice and completely against democracy.

“They are there to do what the people of Bridport want, we pay the taxes, we pay the rates, they have no right to make these decisions.”

Coun Ray added: “I can hardly speak I am so annoyed.”

The authority is now asking the county council to supply evidence on its reasons for introducing the scheme before its full town council meeting on September 17.

The petition, started by market traders’ spokesman Roy Gregory, is online at you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/protect-the-historic-street-market-of-bridport-dorset-1 and in shops in town.

It will be taken to Dorset County Council in November.

The county maintains the idea is to address concerns about the amount of traffic in the town and pedestrian safety.

Matthew Piles, traffic manager for Dorset County Council, said: “In other market towns it has increased the economic ‘churn’ when a reasonable cost and time allocation has been implemented.

“We are asking people what they think so we can provide a solution that fits the town.

“There has been no decision on whether the market will be charged. It will be a decision for council members to consider.”

Mr Piles added: “On-street parking is one of many tools that we can use to address concerns that have been raised in Bridport about the amount of traffic in the town and pedestrian safety.”