Leek's free parking hours are to remain free before 9.30am and after 3.30pm after a petition against plans to increase parking charges prompted a council U-turn.

Leek Nub News reported previously how the petition was due to be handed in to councillors at a meeting this evening (Wednesday 23rd February).

The petition gained over 2,500 online signatures and was created in response to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council's decision to increase car parking charges in Leek.

Under the district council's plans short stays of up to 30 minutes would be free in some car parks, but fees would be charged from 8am - 6pm, meaning an end to the free parking the town has previously enjoyed after 3.30pm and before 9.30am.

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.

But at a Full Council meeting which began at 6.30pm this evening, it has since been confirmed that parking will remain free in Leek at the original hours of before 9.30am and after 3.30pm.

The meeting is currently ongoing but reactions are already beginning to come in from local community figures.

Helen Bridgett, who created the petition, said: "Free parking remains! More to follow."

And Leek Town councillor and former Mayor of Leek Cllr Stephen Wales added: "Big win for Leek! Free hours before 9.30am and after 3.30pm are safe. People power and political pressure wins through!"

Once the meeting has concluded, the full version of the meeting will be available to watch on the district council's website.

As the meeting is still ongoing the full details of the latest plans for Leek still remain fairly sparse for now, but we will be sure to update you with the full story tomorrow here on Leek Nub News.