NOT ENOUGH is being done by Wiltshire Council to advertise the parking consultation which could affect everyone in Marlborough, a resident has claimed.

The public consultation is part of a bid by Wiltshire Council to save up to £1.386m through changes to current parking prices.

Marlborough residents could see a hike for season tickets rise from £394 a year to £780, under a proposal to cut their discounts.

The consultation has also put into jeopardy the free parking in November and December, which could affect the Rotary Club’s Christmas tree in the High Street next year.

Town clerk Shelley Parker also revealed that paying for parking spaces for the 2018 Christmas light switch-on would cost the town council £2,300 to fund, which could mean it might not continue.

Cllr Nick Fogg told Tuesday’s full town council meeting: “I have had a moving letter from a lady who works in Waitrose and the money she would have to pay in increased prices will drive her out of the place.

“I think these people are being taxed. It’s not an increase in charges, it’s an increase in taxes to pay for various Wiltshire facilities, and I think it is wrong that season tickets holders should have to bear that.”

Weekend and bank holiday parking fees could be introduced throughout Marlborough and other areas, raising an estimated £78,000.

Resident Val Compton believes not enough is being done to ensure drivers, who could then have price rises forced upon them, take part in the survey.

She wants to see more signs throughout the town and notices on ticket machines so people know the consultation is taking place.

Ms Compton, of Kennet Place, said: “I would definitely question whether they’ve made any real effort to reach people interested in car parking charges because, to me, the obvious place is on the parking machines.

“You have a cohort that are captive by a parking ticket machine and information board The machines are serviced regularly so no extra staff is required to put labels on them. Then people would know the consultation is happening and could go online.”

Drivers have until November 23 to submit their opinions.

To have your say, go to http://consult.wiltshire.gov.uk/portal/parking_and_transport/car_parking_charges_consultation

A Wiltshire Council spokesman said: “When we consult, we do everything we can to ensure the outcome is as representative of the Wiltshire population. This consultation is aimed at bus users, season ticket holders, parking permit holders and local businesses, as well as people who use our car parks.

“We publish widely online, through local newspapers and on social media to ensure people have the opportunity to comment.”A report on Wiltshire Council’s consultation process in 2015 stated: “We are committed to doing things ‘with’ people not ‘to’ people.”