Campaigners claim victory over car park plan – but say the fight isn’t over

A key campaigner has pledged to continue pushing for improvements to car parking in Newquay, after celebrating this week's announcement that car parks won't be privatised.

It comes after Cornwall Council’s new administration announced it was scrapping controversial plans to transfer 19 car parks, including five in Newquay, to one of its arms length companies. The original proposal had raised concerns it could lead to the introduction of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras.

Critics, including local groups and councillors, had warned the move amounted to a form of privatisation and could result in higher charges and reduced local oversight.

Council Leader Leigh Frost said the decision, which also includes scrapping plans to privatise Cornwall Airport Newquay, was taken “to protect vital services and key assets” that are important to the county’s future.

Jessie Jacobs, who founded the “Sort It Out, Don’t Sell It Off” campaign, described the move as a U-turn. She welcomed the news but vowed campaigners will now turn their attention to calling for better parking solutions in Newquay.

We’ve been getting her reaction to the decision.

PRESS PLAY to listen…