There were angry scenes in West Malling when people gathered to voice their concerns about a council’s plans to axe free parking in the town’s short stay car park.

More than 70 traders and residents turned out at West Malling C of E School Primary school in Norman Road to hear talks by parish council chairman Trudy Dean and councillor Richard Selkirk on proposals to introduce hourly charges at the car park behind Tesco in High Street.

The bid for paid parking has come from Tonbridge and Malling council, but no one from the council was present at the meeting.

A parish council survey of local business found the majority were opposed to the changes over fears parking charges could drive away customers, while residents visiting West Malling’s church, medical centre and post office rely on the car park.

Cllr Selkirk accused the authority of attempting a cash grab.

He said: “There was a lot of anger in the room last night and tempers flared.

“We all know this is a fundraising exercise and if the council just said this from the start there could be a debate.

“I think it was important for people to see the parish council is 100% behind finding a workable solution. But the borough council has put up its barricades and don’t seem to hear what we want to say.”

Every year the council reviews its parking policy, which includes whether to raise the prices for permits and parking. The new charging scheme will be put before the cabinet on Tuesday, March 22.

Parish chairman Trudy Dean, said: “People were very angry there was no one from the borough council at the meeting to hear what they had to say.

“We are reluctant to take any form of legal action but we are finding it very hard to work with the borough council to come up with responses to the consultation within the short time frame.”