Campaigners are celebrating after controversial parking plans for Marlow’s town centre were scrapped last week in a dramatic U-turn following a hard-fought campaign by residents and businesses.

Transport for Bucks announced it would not be installing pay-and-display in the High Street and surrounding roads after the majority of residents and businesses, as well as the town council, the then-mayor Jocelyn Towns and county councillor Alex Collingwood, “made their opposition to paid parking very clear”.

The news was met with jubilation by an emotional Cllr Towns, who was a key figure in leading the fight against the plans.

She said: “All groups working together fighting for what we believed in shows the power we have and will keep our town vibrant.

“This really brought us together as a town and I couldn't be happier this is so good for the future of Marlow.

“A big thank you to the Marlow Society and the Chamber who joined us in this campaign.”

The Marlow Society chairman Martin Blunkell said the decision showed a “great” example of democracy.

He said: “We are very pleased that Bucks [County Council] has recognised the joint express opinion of all the people of Marlow who objected.

“Big thanks to the mayor Jocelyn for co-ordinating the combined efforts of individuals and Marlow organisations.

“I believe in the power of democracy and this is a great example of it.”

Bucks County Council wanted to charge people £1 per hour or 20p per 12 minutes to park along the busy shopping street – replacing the current “limited waiting bays”, where people can park for free for one hour between 8am and 6.30pm.

The plans were met with anger by residents and shop owners who said they would “destroy” shopping in the town, and a petition by the town council gathered 7,500 signatures.

Cllr Collingwood said: “I am delighted that massive response from the residents objecting to the proposed on-street parking charges have won the day.

“It was a team effort from the Chamber of Commerce, The Marlow Society, the town mayor and council and, above all, the residents of Marlow and the surrounding area.”

And Aimee Smith, president of the Marlow Chamber, told the Marlow Free Press it was a “fantastic” result for the town.

She said: “We are thrilled that they are not going to go ahead. It is an absolute win for the retailers and residents.

“We are absolutely chuffed with the decision. We have ploughed together to make it happen.”

The county council said it will soon consult formally on limited parking restrictions around Marlow, which it says are designed to improve road safety and congestion at junctions, as part of the wider consultation on parking.