A weekly editor is leading a campaign to make sure people aren’t made to pay to park in a town on his patch.

Editor of the Kent and Sussex Courier Ian Read addressed a full meeting of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to give a push to the Northcliffe owned paper’s campaign to to retain free parking in Cranbrook.

A petition in town shops attracted nearly 1,500 signatures in two weeks. 

This meant under council rules the authority had to debate the matter.

The council is currently reviewing its charging policy across the borough, which at present means some towns, such as Tunbridge Wells, pay to park while others don’t.

Ian told councillors that Cranbrook did not have the attractions of a town like Tunbridge Wells and could not be treated equally.

He warned them that introducing charges could severely affect trade and business’ ability to attract staff from nearby communities.

Said Ian: “The only reason for introducing charges is to fill a hole in the borough council’s budget.

“We urge you not to make bad decisions out of financial desperation.

“We all know that if charges are introduced, they will never be removed again. In five or ten years’ time, when the recession is a distant memory, Cranbrook’s prosperity will be shaped by the decision you make right now.”

One councillor, Sean Holden, praised the campaign as “local journalism at its best”.

His comments were backed by a number of borough councillors who fought the Courier’s corner at the meeting at Tunbridge Wells Town Hall.

The matter will now go to the cabinet and a decision will be made next month at the earliest.