A woad-covered Mel Gibson might not be the first image evoked by a town's battle to save free parking but it does give an indication of the strength of feeling among West Malling residents.

Tonight Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council's (TMBC) cabinet meet to decide whether to introduce charges in the short-stay car park behind Tesco.

It is a proposal that has enraged residents, the parish council and many proprietors of local businesses who feel charges could sound the death knell for businesses already struggling with limited parking.

Previously parking was free in the town for up to three hours with a ticket display system.

However TMBC says charges need to bee introduced in order to help meet the cost of enforcement and to encourage a quick turnover of spaces to optimise availability.

The recommendations propose introducing a maximum charge of £1.80 for three hours and are proposed as part of an annual review into charges.

A petitions signed by a combined total of just under 5,000 people have been handed to TMBC by the parish council.

Richard Selkirk, chairman of planning at West Malling Parish Council (WMPC), said residents were overwhelming opposed to the plans. He said 96% of businesses are also opposed.

He said: "All we want is for TMBC to give us six months to come up with alternative proposals."

Julia Scott, secretary of West Malling Chamber of Commerce, condemned the proposals as "sheer madness" and a cash-raising exercise.

Rev David Green, priest in charge of St Mary's Church in West Malling has also taken to twitter to voice his concern.

A council report on the changes states: "Clearly there is local concern that the introduction of charges will damage trade and create problems in residential roads.

"However, the alternative case underpinning the proposed introduction of charging is that such a regime will increase turnover, enable effective enforcement and sustain the management and maintenance of the car park in financial terms."

The cabinet meeting will begin at 7.30 at the Civic Suite, Gibson Building in Kings Hill. It is open to the public.