COUNCILLORS have not given up their fight to stop car parks being transferred to “unscrupulous” operators.

Cornwall Council monitoring officer Paul Grant has rejected pleas to “call in” its decision to lease 19 car parks to Corserv to enable greater scrutiny following concerns there was a lack of consultation with stakeholders.

Mr Grant concluded the car parks are considered “environmental assets” so there is no need to consult locally.

But councillors are questioning the legality of some of the car parks being included in the list despite the refusal as they are clearly not "linked to environmental assets.”

They are also seeking assurances from Conserv that free winter parking will remain.

A protest was held at Watergate following fears the scheme disproportionately impacts the Newquay area as Tregunnel, Belmont, Dane Road and Watergate Bay car parks will be transferred.

Other car parks that are due to be transferred include Readmoney at Fowey, Helford in Helston, Castle Street and Pannier Market in Launceston, St Peter’s Hill in Newlyn and Trebarwith Strand near Tintagel as well as Tintagel Visitors Centre.

Car parks at Porthcothan Bay, Commercial Road in Penryn, Kittos Field in Porthleven, Belle Vue (West) in Saltash, Seaton Park in Seaton, Reppers Coombe in St Agnes as well as Park Avenue and Porthmeor in St Ives are also included.

Councillor John Fitter said: “It is fair to say that the environmental issues question about the planned disposal has not been resolved.

“Regarding Watergate Bay car park a meeting is being arranged with Corserve to discuss my concern about any attempt by the new company, who will be awarded the contract to manage these car parks, to introduce any charges for the winter period at Watergate Bay.

“Cllr Steve Rushworth tells me that he has received such assurances for the Council owned car park at Porthcothan. If this is correct, I will be seeking the assurances for Watergate.”

Cllr Joanna Kenny added: “Disappointing to hear that an attempt by councillors to call in the decision to outsource our car parks was rejected. I understand the reason these are considered “environmental assets” so no need to consult locally.

“Tregunnel Hill – an environmental asset? Surrounded on all sides by development.

“What’s left of what used to be the third most profitable car park in Newquay – I estimate it’s now running at a loss of income of well over £50,000 , over 50 per cent loss to our council tax payers and a large chunk of that coming from the mismanagement of what was left after this administration, despite their promises, decided to build on a third of it?

“Make no mistake, I think the homeless pods are a good solution to meet a real need but surely Cornwall Council had other land available than the overflow car park for the town centre – and a car park that was identified in the Town Team’s proposals as an important intervention car park to resolve town congestion problems?

“The decision to rush the outsourcing through before the likely change in administration after the coming election is outrageous.”