A petition has been created to campaign for the reinstatement of free parking after 3.30pm in Leek after councillors approved changes to the town's parking rules this week.

Leek Nub News reported previously how car parking charges in Leek are to increase after plans were approved by Staffordshire Moorlands District Councillors.

Despite the increased fees, short stays of up to 30 minutes will be made free in some of the town's car parks.

However, fees will now be charged from 8am - 6pm, meaning an end to the free parking the town has previously enjoyed after 3.30pm, in a move that has not been popular with some residents.

One of those to speak out against the changes is Helen Bridgett, who has created a petition to reinstate free parking after 3.30pm in Leek.

After being created earlier today (Thursday 10th February) it has already received over 400 signatures.

Helen told Nub News: "After discovering SMDC approved changes to parking fees and abolition of free parking after 3:30pm, I decided to increase awareness by creating a petition.

"The changes represent an unpopular move and yet another challenge to traders who are already struggling. It is also a slap in the face for the many people who repeatedly visit Leek more than once a week and time their visit to take full advantage of existing free parking.

"If such stalwarts face a weekly increase of £2.40 in their spending in Leek they may well decide not to bother. The frequent afternoon visitor is especially targeted, as is a person intending to stay for a good few hours. This is completely undemocratic revenue building founded on an idea for which a consultation seems to be sadly lacking, again!

"A team of consultants has been employed during Covid and the results were based on this 'research', which has also been funded out of the ratepayer's pocket. The council leader appears to want to punish people who shop in Leek In every way she can.

"The markets are threatened already and now parking is to become a very hot potato indeed. It is time that SMDC's cabinet realised that the people are really sick of such initiatives. They receive no reward for trading and shopping in this ancient market town, and say this is yet another nail in Leek's coffin."

If you would like to sign the petition then please CLICK HERE.

Leek Nub News has contacted Staffordshire Moorlands District Council for comment.