CAMPAIGNERS angry at plans to charge motorists to park in Amersham will be taking to the streets on Saturday dressed as traffic wardens.

The controversial plans have been opposed by residents and businesses in Old Amersham since being announced last year.

And now protesters will be stepping up their campaign ahead of a public exhibition of the plans next weekend.

The proposals were approved by Chiltern District Council last December and are currently being considered by the county council.

But residents say there is no reason for the charges to be introduced and have sent in over 400 letters of opposition.

Sarah-Jane Axelby, who has led residents' protests against the proposals, said: “The plans offer no real benefit to residents or businesses from the current situation, except that we will all be charged.

“The proposals are clearly a money making exercise that do not address key issues such as the hospital staff parking.

“The visual impact of 22 new parking meters and additional signage will ruin this beautiful town.”

The Whielden Street resident, 34, added: “We are encouraging people to write letters of objection for the plans. We've only seen a summary and are concerned they look similar to the previous ones.”

A team of around 20 will be in High Street and The Broadway from noon on Saturday, dressed as traffic wardens to highlight their protest.

A petition protesting against the plans will be available for people to sign.

Mrs Axelby said: “Our main objective is to raise awareness of the cause and get people thinking about it.

“We are working closely with Thames Valley Police to make sure it's a peaceful demonstration.

“The volunteers are coming out of the woodwork, asking what can they do to help.

“Everyone's been so supportive, it's been unbelievable.”

An exhibition of the proposals will be held at St Mary's Church Rooms from 2pm-8pm on Friday November 20 and from 10am-2pm on Saturday 21.

Mrs Axelby added: “We are urging as many people as possible to attend the exhibitions at St Mary's Church Rooms and fill out feedback forms. The 21st of November is the final deadline for feedback for inclusion in the draft Traffic Regulation Order.”

A statement from Buckinghamshire County Council said: “The aim of the exhibition is to show what the proposals are, the reasoning behind them and what impact they will have on the town.

“All those who come along to the exhibition will have the chance to discuss with both county and district council officers any concerns they may have.

"Responses at the exhibition will be considered as part of the six-week formal consultation that starts on 10 December when the draft Traffic Regulation Order needed for these proposals is published.”