A PROMISE to cut sky-high car park charges in Weymouth is the first priority for Dorset Council according to new leader Nick Ireland.

Cllr Ireland has met Weymouth Palm House café operator Nigel Sims-Duff to reinforce his determination to reverse price hikes introduced by the Conservatives last year – a decision that angered businesses, residents and visitors and generated a 7,500 strong petition.

“I have met the Council Chief Executive (Matt Prosser) and it is the very first order of business for him,” said Cllr Ireland.

“He has already asked officers to review and come back with options as to how we do this.”

Cllr Ireland was speaking just hours after signing his oath of office following the Lib Dem party taking control of Dorset Council in last week’s election.

Mr Sims-Duff, who led the huge petition, said he was delighted that the new council was to honour its promise.

“It’s great that Cllr Ireland took the time and trouble to meet me on his first day in office.

"It shows that they really have listened and now we just want to find out how we can achieve what all businesses, locals and tourists want. We understand the council needs to get income, but it has to consider the local economy too.

"If tourists aren’t coming, it hits the shops and cafes around us – and the council doesn’t get any income either. It’s a no-brainer.”

The meeting was arranged by Weymouth Cllr Matt Bell who has also spoken up on the issue.

He said: “Nigel has made a powerful case, and we could see how unpopular and unfair this price increase was. Just parking here for this meeting has cost me more than £6 – it really is a lot of money and I have no doubt it puts visitors off, and local people spend less time in town as they don’t want to pay such high charges.”

Cllr Bell, who is standing in the general election to be South Dorset MP, said he would continue to press the council for a speedy change to the system.

“We want to get Weymouth and other beach resorts sorted for this summer season and to look wider at other areas after that. The council must understand that high prices put people off and they don’t spend their hard-earned money locally which punishes us all.”