A PETITION calling on the authority to withdraw controversial parking changes in Lymm and Stockton Heath has come before the full council after racking up more than 3,000 signatures.

Lymm parish councillor Anna Fradgley presented the petition and pleaded with the council to rethink the decision before it was debated by members at Monday's Town Hall meeting.

The move, which will see free parking at the sites reduced from one hour to 15 minutes, will come into force on Monday, December 12.

Following a public backlash, the council slightly amended plans to allow motorists to park for free for 15 minutes, while the ban on returning to the car parks within two hours was also removed.

The sites to be hit by the changes in Lymm will be Davies Way car park, Pepper Street car park and Henry Street car park, while The Forge in Stockton Heath will also be affected.

Parish councillor Fradgley, who also owns a business in Lymm, said the changes were 'unfair'.

She added: "We have gathered more than 3,000 signatures, which shows the strength of feeling on this issue

"The council may not like to hear this but the fact is that residents in south Warrington see their car parks as being used as 'cash cows'.

"And what about the effect on businesses. Rather than pay a charge, some people will decide to shop elsewhere.

"We ask that the changes to the charges are withdrawn and proper consultation takes place with councillors, residents and businesses."

Conservative group leader Cllr Sheila Woodyatt called for 'equal treatment' across the borough.

However, Cllr Hans Mundry, executive board member for transport, defended the council's stance.

He said: "The changes will be in place on December 12 – we will monitor the situation and see how it develops in the future."

Following the debate, Cllr Ian Marks (LD – Lymm North and Thelwall) said the council 'needs to look' at the constitution and 'review' the way debates on petitions are handled.

He added: "I had a short speech prepared, which questioned the legality of the changes to car parking charges, but I was not allowed to speak because we ran out of time.

"I was most unhappy about this and felt I was being gagged."