PROTESTERS voiced their concern about newly-introduced car park charges in Cirencester yesterday.

Cotswold District Council is running a pilot scheme to charge drivers £1.50 to leave their cars in the Brewery Car Park overnight and on Sundays.

Previously, it was free at these times.

The move has prompted anger from the community.

Yesterday, around 60 demonstrators gathered at the car park to highlight the new charges and direct drivers to free spots within the town.

Liberal Democrat councillors organised the protest in the 298-space car park.

Group leader, councillor Paul Hodgkinson, said the trial being run by the Tory administration at council HQ represented a "spectacular lack of vision" and could result in a knock-on effect of Cirencester's night-time and weekend economy.

The Churn Valley ward member said: "We had a good response from people who were pleased to have found out they could park in other places for free. Dozens of people turned around and went elsewhere, but some did continue to pay.

"We had many people tooting, giving us the thumbs up and showing support for the demonstration.

"The Conservative group has seen the motorist as an easy way of raising revenue without considering the drastic impact on businesses that are already struggling because of the recession.

"Helping people save a few pounds by alerting them to free parking was a job well done."

The new charges of a £1.50 fixed rate for 6pm to 8am on weekdays and Sundays began January 1. Off-peak parking permits, entitling drivers to park from 4pm to 10am everyday for £36 per year, are also available.

Fellow councillor Lee Searles (LD, Park) is also against the pilot scheme in the Brewery Car Park.

He said: "We are calling on the administration to think again about this extension of charges in order to help retailers and restaurants in our town centres. Local businesses contribute significantly through business rates and deserve the full backing of the council."

Cotswold District Council declined to comment.