Councillors have attacked plans to increase parking charges in Ashby - with one saying it will 'kill' the town centre.

Monday's meeting of Ashby de la Zouch Town Council's planning committee was responding to a parking survey which closed at the weekend.

The survey, asking for views on proposals from North West Leicestershire District Council, was described as 'nonsense' and 'political' as town councillors voiced their opposition to the plans.

The District Council made the proposals public last month and suggested the following changes:

• Charges increased in Ashby to be in line with similar charges in neighbouring district and borough councils
• Two hours' free parking in all council car parks across the district - except Ashby - with charges applied after this
• North Street and South Street car parks in Ashby changed to become short-stay
• A new long-stay car park at Money Hill in Ashby, including an electric vehicle charging hub.

Ashby Town Council then responded with a document challenging the District Council over the plans.

North West Leicestershire District Council then issued a statement saying the proposals were still some way off being decided.

But Monday's meeting allowed councillors to make their views known - and they were vociferous in doing so as objections were raised.

South Street car park in Ashby. Photo: Instantstreetview.com

Committee chair, Cllr Tom Stanley, suggested the move was a political one by the District Council's Conservative-led alliance against the Labour0-run Ashby council.

But Conservative councillor, and Ashby restaurant owner, Cllr Pejman Zemani, was also critical of the proposals.

Cllr Murrae-Blair Park added that the days of Ashby following instructions from the District Council 'are gone'.

In its written response last month, Ashby Town Council said it believed that the proposed changes would only encourage town centre workers to park on nearby residential roads - something which is already happening.

It added there is no justification for imposing the parking charge increase to Ashby only - describing it as a 'backwards step'.

Cllr Stanley told the committee: "It's almost like it's a fait accomplis the way they've thrown this at us and they've decided they're going to do this.

"There's no justification for it and no reason.

"It appears the town is being victimised by the Tory administration in Coalville.

"This feels very political - the decision appears to be based on politics rather than the district as a whole."

Cllr Zamani added: "I speak for Ashby, not for the Party as a Conservative councillor.

"Mistakes are made at all levels.

"The survey is nonsense, as a trader and a councillor I can say it does nothing.

"This will kill the town centre. But the Ashby BID are on our side now.

"Why discriminate against Ashby de la Zouch against all of our neighbours?

"What, are we elite? Are we Central London?

"I will stand against this. This will do no good to our town, it will stop people coming here."

Ashby de la Zouch Town Council councillors stood firm against the proposals. Photo: Ashby Nub News

Cllr Blair-Park added: "There is a strong consensus that this is wrong, whatever your political belief.

"People need to park. We don't need different rates for Ashby compared to anywhere else?

"We can't be the cash cow for the District Council. We need to be seen to be challenging it, it's long-term and will have an impact.

"This needs to be said. Gone are the days where we sit and accept what's coming through."

Cllr Dave Bigby said: "I suspect this smacks very much of the change of administration at the District Council which occurred last year.

"We've seen churchyards and public conveniences being targeted, we've seen a raft of things. Rabbits being pulled out of a hat with no justification.

"I'm all for getting some things done, but they have to affect all areas of the district in similar way."

Cllr Rita Manning added: "You will get people coming to Ashby - they won't use the car parks, but every other available street.

"Whether they're blocking the roads or not, that's a bigger issue."