Marlovians "came out in force" to have their say about controversial parking plans for the town centre.

Around 2,500 residents are believed to have responded to a Bucks County Council (BCC) consultation on introducing pay-and-display in the High Street and surrounding roads.

If the plans are given the green light, people will have to pay to park in what are currently “limited waiting bays” where people can park for free for one hour between 8am and 6.30pm with no return within an hour.

It was hoped by the county council that the move would encourage more people to use off-street car parks, which are cheaper, to reduce congestion and improve air quality.

But residents and businesses blasted BCC, saying the plans would “destroy” the shopping in the town and Marlow Town Council, together with the Marlow Society and Marlow Chamber of Commerce, launched a petition against the proposals which was signed by around 7,500 residents.

District and county councillor thanked the town council, the Marlow Society and mayor Jocelyn Towns, a key figure in leading the fight against the proposals, for encouraging more than 2,000 Marlovians to take part in the consultation.

He said: “Together with the 7,500 who responded to the petition that is almost 10,000 residents.

“That is a fantastic effort and four times as many who responded from the whole of Bucks on the budget or children’s centres.

“I understand the analysis will start at the end of March and as soon as I have an update I will let you know.

“As I have said previously I am against the proposals and hope that the majority responded in the same way.”

Cllr Towns said the results of the consultation should be announced towards the end of May, adding: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who came out in support for us, both online and in person at the consultation.

“We’re crossing our fingers that Bucks County Council recognises the strength of feeling against the proposals and decides not to proceed.”