A BLOCKADE of Bridports car parks is being planned as a protest against new overnight charges.

The French-style demonstration has been called for by Town Crier John Morey.

He wants people to join him in forming a human barrier at the entrance to the towns main parks on a busy Saturday - and refuse to let drivers in.

Mr Morey says positive action is the only way to make the district council think again about the controversial new fees.

They have already rejected a call from the town council to scrap 24-hour charging despite a warning that they may be reported to the Ombudsman for maladministration after failing to consult them over the new fees.

We are far too soft here V we need to be more like the French with their blockades. They do it and win, said Mr Morey.

Now he wants people to pledge their support for his human chain plan so the council understands how strongly the town feels.

We want to do it with people not cars because then the traffic wardens would book them, he said. We would let any cars out but not in.

With all these extra charges being imposed upon us, how miserable this country is getting. Are we to become the latter-day Eastern Block?

There are so many people living in terraced houses in Bridport who are already hounded off the roads by the terrible traffic wardens during the day and now have to pay to park at night.

I dare say district council leader Robert Gould and his colleagues have a nice driveway to park in, whereas many good, hard-working citizens of our towns have not - neither have they the space to build one. But these people still need a car to get to work especially all those who are employed outside their respective areas.

The evening and night-time charges will mean someone will have to be paid to operate this function and be paid a good rate for night duty. A bodyguard may also be required, as with the parking wardens.

The district councils policy is also inflicting financial harassment on the many members of our population who do good deeds for others, such as volunteer organisations like Red Cross, St John Ambulance, Lions to name but a few.

There are also scout, guide, cadets, operatic and drama groups, all doing something for others and seeking no reward except the pleasure of knowing someone has enjoyed what they have done or in some way benefited from it.

,,h All night parking fees of 40p were introduced from April 1 and operate at Bridport from 7pm; West Bay from 9pm; Lyme Regis from 9pm; Beaminster from 5pm; West Bexington from 9pm and Charmouth from 9pm.