A petition against an end to free parking in Leek after 3.30pm is due to be handed in to councillors at a meeting tomorrow (Wednesday 23rd February).

Leek Nub News reported previously how the petition, which now has over 2,500 online signatures, was created in response to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council's decision to increase car parking charges in Leek.

Short stays of up to 30 minutes will be free in some car parks, but fees will now be charged from 8am - 6pm, meaning an end to the free parking the town has previously enjoyed after 3.30pm.

Leek's Labour councillors called for a rethink of the plans after they were met with opposition from local residents.

However, the council's Conservative leader Sybil Ralphs called Labour's statement "a politically motivated and hurriedly put together diatribe", and said that Labour councillors didn't raise any concerns at the time when the plans were being drawn up.

The petition is due to be handed in at a Full Council meeting tomorrow at 6.30pm.

Receiving the petition is the sixth item on the agenda and a webcast of the meeting can be watched live on the council's website.

Helen Bridgett, who created the petition, thanked the local traders who helped to collect paper signatures ahead of the meeting.

She said: "A big shoutout and thankyou to the Leek independent traders who hosted the paper petition - you were so upfront and supportive and vocal. Thank you for giving customers of your businesses a chance to sign this petition."

She added: "I think you are going to be truly astonished when the numbers are announced tomorrow. Will SMDC listen? Well that's another story."