DORSET County Council is to look again at the figures behind its controversial decision to take over on-street Parking in Weymouth.

The authority’s cabinet was asked yesterday to back a proposal to save £130,000 through the withdrawal of agency parking arrangements with Christchurch and Weymouth and Portland borough councils.

The Weymouth council currently manages on-street parking in the area on behalf of the county council.

Director for environment Miles Butler said he had been made aware of challenges to the proposed savings target from members.

This was backed by borough and county councillor Howard Legg, who told the cabinet meeting: “I don’t think the figures are achievable and I think you should be more pragmatic in lowering it in terms of what you can realistically expect.”

Angry residents had voiced their concerns over the plans.

Waterside Weymouth Community Forum vice chairman John Morse said: “If the county council tries to save £130,000 by reducing parking attendants and also trying to reduce or take away parking permits, residents will have nowhere to park.

“People will be coming to the town and parking here all day. Where will residents park?

“We have had no consultation about this. There are rumours that the permit fee will go up from £70 to £100. For people around here that’s a hell of a jump.

“But as normal, the council has not spoken to us about this.

“It’s no good saying we are able to comment on this if we don’t know anything about it. On the dorsetforyou website it says ‘working together’.

“Saying they are trying to build a relationship with the community is rubbish.

“We have spoken out until we are blue in the face and they don’t take any notice of the people who have voted them into power. It’s crazy.”

Mr Butler told the cabinet that officers will review the figures involved.

He asked members to approve the £130,000 target, but without specifying the means through which it would be achieved.

Borough councillor Peter Farrell said: “I am pleased with the decision to look again at the figures.

“The proposed figure is particularly high and there has been no consultation with residents.

“Parking costs would go up and costs of parking permits would rocket in a bid to save £130,000.”

Mr Butler added that if the target is not reached through the council’s adoption of the on-street parking, the council will have to look at further efficiencies within the environmental services directorate to realise the full amount. He said: “We will find that saving one way or another.”

Cabinet member for corporate resources Spencer Flower said: “Whilst we recognise the numbers may change when we look at it further, if it does we will have to come up with some other savings to make up for it.”

At the Park District Community Centre, Weymouth resident Dave Burchill said: “This is going through without any consultation.

“I know it is only a proposal, but it seems the decision has already been made. We have not had a chance to put our views across. We also have to thank Peter Farrell for making us aware of what is going on. We had a revolt last year when the permit prices went from £50 to £70.

“Who knows how much the price will increase – the sky’s the limit.”