"IT'S not fair," was the reaction from Cranbrook councillors when they heard a neighbouring town would be keeping its two hours' free parking.

Parish councillors were aghast at their meeting on Thursday as Tunbridge Wells borough councillor John Smith told them proposals to scrap the free parking in Paddock Wood had been thrown out following a backlash from residents.

Speaking after an earlier meeting, Mr Smith said: "There were proposals to reduce free parking to an hour but the borough council has recommended those be removed. Paddock Wood has been very noisy about it."

Last month Cranbrook council was forced to increase its council tax by 21 per cent in a rushed move to stop Tunbridge Wells Borough Council from installing ticket machines in car parks.

The parish council said it would reluctantly take over the car parks to keep them free but needed to raise £40,000 to do so.

After hearing it was too late for Paddock Wood to take over its car parks from April, chairman Peter North said: "That might change our situation. I thought we made a good argument and we were told no by the borough council."

Mr Smith said: "We had representations from Paddock Wood and that is the outcome – although I see your point."

Mr North added: "It would be unfair for us to pick up our costs if other towns aren't doing it."

Mr Smith tried to ease the atmosphere in the room when he added that charges for longer periods of parking in Paddock Wood could be increased by keeping the two hours free.

Councillor Brian Swann said: "It is unfair that the tax will be higher in Cranbrook because they are subsidising Paddock Wood parking."