Controversial plans to introduce parking charges in 'free' towns and hike up prices in those which already pay have been backed by councillors.

Eleven members of Cheshire East's highways and transport committee today (Thursday) voted in favour of implementing the new charges, with one voting against and one abstaining.

The decision followed a lengthy debate which saw 27 public speakers and visiting councillors address the committee – all but three were objectors.

Audlem councillor Rachel Bailey (Con), speaking as a visiting councillor, said imposing the charges on the village's only car park meant 'residents of Audlem will pay to mourn'.

Visiting councillor Rob Moreton (Congleton, Ind) said charging on Roe Street car park, which was used by residents attending the doctor's surgery was tantamount to 'taxing the sick'.

Objector Lucy Garner said Cheshire East was not considering the long-term impact of its short-term goals.

"If small businesses are forced to close because of lack of footfall it will create a bigger more devastating problem," she said.

She added it would have a disproportionate effect on the poor and disadvantaged and asked: "Is now the time to kick those struggling when they're down?"

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Cllr Liz Wardlaw (Odd Rode), speaking as a visiting councillor, said: "Congleton nurses have approached me and advised me that their fees for daily parking will increase from £1.60 per day to £4.30 per day.

"This is going to equate to £1,000 a year."

Committee chair Craig Browne (Alderley Edge, Ind) said the 'free' car parks cost the council £400,000 a year, adding in those towns where there are parking charges, those rates had increased only once since 2009.

He told the meeting: "The recommendations are very much preferable to the alternatives which might include reducing expenditure across the highways service including road maintenance or disposing of our car parks to private providers."

Committee member Arthur Moran (Nantwich, Ind) said Nantwich had the second highest charges after Crewe.

"If Nantwich pays then it's only fair everybody pays," he said.

He added Nantwich residents already pay to park when they visit the doctor.

Macclesfield councillor Liz Braithwaite (Lab) said the new policy was about fairness.

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An amendment proposed by Cllr Mike Sewart (Poynton, Con) for a half hour parking tariff to be introduced on one car park in every affected area was approved.

The new proposals – which will see charges introduced in the currently free areas of Alsager, Audlem, Bollington, Handforth, Holmes Chapel, Middlewich, Poynton, Prestbury and Sandbach – are expected to come into force in October.