COUNCILLORS in Axbridge have vowed to keep fighting the sale of the town s car park.

COUNCILLORS in Axbridge have vowed to keep fighting the sale of the town's car park.

At a special district council meeting last week, Axbridge Mayor Mike Taylor gave a passionate speech, pleading with councillors to reconsider selling the vital car park in Meadow Street.

Axbridge Action Team also joined the protest and this week sent a 350-name petition to the district council opposing the proposed sale.

At a town council meeting on Monday, councillors unanimously voted to keep opposing the district council and said they felt 'railroaded' into the sale.

Cllr Mike Taylor told district councillors: "People regard the car park as belonging to Axbridge, not the district council.

"Every time there is an event in The Square the car park is full.

"The town council has put a lot of effort into improving parking arrangements in Axbridge. We want to keep our busy streets clear of parked cars as many of our roads are very narrow."

The town council said it was 'disappointed' it had still not been contacted by Sedgemoor District Council, which is considering selling the land to help plug a £1.8million funding gap.

At a town council meeting on Monday, district councillor Liz Scott said: "An officer will be looking at the site and coming up with ideas for the land. Meadow Street car park could be put on the market at the end of January but a final decision has not been made yet."

Cllr Paul Passey said: "Are they going to put it up for sale and give permission for lots of houses to be built on it? Nothing like giving yourself a bonus.

"I suggest we give Sedgemoor District Council a problem before it gets to the stage of sale.

"The county council will be responsible for more vehicles in the area if flats are built. We are almost being railroaded into this."

Final decisions on plugging the £1.8million funding gap are expected to be announced after a district council meeting on February 13.

* Are you against the proposed sale of the Axbridge car park? Email newsdesk@thewestonmercury.co.uk or log on to www.thewestonmercury.co.uk