THE community is to make a stand against Cornwall Council’s plans to sell off Newquay car parks.

Residents and councillors are gathering to make their voices heard following the unitary authority’s proposal to transfer Albany Road, Belmon Road, Newquay, Dane Road, Tregunnel and Watergate Bay to a private company in a bid to save money.

They fear the plans to offload the car parks to a private operator will result in higher parking fees and the introduction of an ANPR system, which could impact tourism and businesses.

Residents and councillors also fear the scheme could have a detrimental effect on residential areas as the sell off could see the end of free winter parking.

The gathering to protect Newquay’s car parks will be held at Watergate Bay car park on Saturday, January 11 at 11am.

Councillor Liz Wright said: “Residents and visitors of Newquay, it’s time to come together.

“Cornwall Council is considering handing over 25 car parks including five in Newquay to a private company.

“Once transferred, these car parks will charge fees year-round, including in winter.

“This proposal threatens to harm tourism, as many visitors have already vowed not to return due to fines at ANPR car parks like Fistral and Little Fistral.

“It will damage the local economy, with fewer visitors supporting businesses. It will also limit access to our beloved spots for locals who can’t afford to pay, creating inequality in who gets to enjoy our beaches, walks, and surf.

“We believe these car parks should remain community assets, with all revenue reinvested into the local community.

“This is about more than parking. It’s about protecting Newquay’s spirit, economy, and accessibility for all. Let’s stand together and make our voices heard.”

Councillors Joanna Kenny and John Fitter are among those who have previously voiced fears residents and visitors could end up paying more.

Cllr Fitter put forward the idea that Newquay Town Council could operate the car parks to ensure local control remains.

Mayor Drew Creek said: “These car parks are community assets and should be kept int he hands of the local community.

“Newquay Town Council has previously taken one car park at South Fistral and by reducing parking fees there we increased use and revenue by 20 per cent meaning this money can be used for maintaining our green spaces and parks within Newquay.

“The proposed use of ANPR is punitive and will destroy tourism and out of season economic activity in places like Watergate Bay, as mayor I have had several tourists contact me to complain about fines at other ANPR car parks they have received this summer it’s not the image you want them to go home with.

“These car parks are also vital for residents like those on Tolcarne Road who use Albany as they struggle with parking anywhere near their homes, this will make their situation infinitely worse.”

The plans to stage a gathering for the community to attend follows a campaign being launched to stop Cornwall Council from selling off its car parks.

Jessie Joe Jacobs from Newquay has started Sort It Out, Don’t Sell It Off following the unitary council proposing to offload 28 of its car parks to a private company in a bid to save £9million.

The new community-led campaign is urging residents and businesses to speak out during the council’s ongoing consultation which ends this Thursday, warning that the sell-off will have severe economic, social, and environmental impacts on communities across Cornwall.

People can submit their views to Cornwall Council’s consultation at www.cornwall.gov.uk/council-news/transport-streets-and-waste/residents-asked-for-views-on-car-park-proposals.

They can also sign the petition to stop the sell off by visiting survey.labour.org.uk/savecornwallcarparks