Unpopular parking charges have been introduced at West Malling's High Street car park - despite staunch opposition from residents and the town's parish council.

In March Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council's (TMBC) cabinet voted to axe free three-hour parking at the site behind Tesco.

Instead the council have introduced a max stay of three hours between 8am and 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday with a maximum charge of £1.80.

The move has angered residents and tradesmen who have raised concerns about the potential impact on businesses, schools and the West Malling Group Practice.

However, TMBC says the charges are reasonable and are necessary to pay for the upkeep of the centre.

In a widely circulated post on Facebook, Richard Selkirk, parish councillor, expressed his disappointment and said the parish council would continue to campaign against the charges.

He said: "We are continuing to fight, so please don't give up on us. In the meantime, please do not stop coming to visit West Malling. Our small, independent businesses rely on people like yourselves, more so than ever now."