A petition that garnered thousands of signatures against controversial parking plans for Marlow’s town centre allegedly only counts as one vote.

Marlow Town Council’s (MTC) petition against introducing paid-for parking in the High Street and surrounding area had “overwhelming support” from the community, with 7,500 people saying no to the proposals by Bucks County Council (BCC).

But BCC has reportedly said all 7,500 signatures “only count as one” and residents will have to have their say again in a consultation that kicks off next Friday – a move that the town council is protesting against.

MTC is now urging people to say why they do not want parking metres in the consultation.

Marlow mayor Jocelyn Towns said: “It’s clear from the reaction of the people of Marlow that the vast majority are against paid-for on-street parking. But their votes – all 7,500 of them – are being counted as only one.

“That doesn’t seem right and we’re protesting against it.

“But there’s still time for us to stop this plan – by coming out in force to give the reasons why we’re against it.

“We’re calling on everyone who voted – and more – to participate in the consultation and give their reasons for saying no.

“By doing this we’ll prove to BCC that our petition has value – when we said no, we meant no.”

The consultation will run from February 9 until March 10, with a drop-in session planned on February 15 at Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School between 1.30-7.30pm.

The online link for people to have their say will be made public on Friday. Any responses submitted before this date will not be counted.