A RESIDENT leading the campaign to stop the introduction of the parking permit scheme in central Ellesmere Port has hailed the council's decision to defer it as a victory for people power.

Gary Fallows, of Woodfield Road, is delighted residents in the Central, Fields and Vale wards of the town will be given the opportunity to have their say at a public meeting.

He congratulated his fellow homeowners for their show of strength, and is urging them to keep up the pressure on the council and not rest on their laurels.

Mr Fallows said: 'We were really pleased with the turnout and the peaceful protest inside the council offices but we still need as many people as we can to back us up.

'This is a victory for the residents but we won't rest until we get what we want. We refuse to pay any money towards this scheme.

'We proved [outside the meeting] on Thursday that we won't let the council walk all over us.'

More than 100 protesters made their feelings known by displaying banners demanding the council pulls the plug on the initiative.

The authority was, in fact, set to announce amendments to the scheme during the meeting because of the high level of opposition to the plans.

However, due to the huge turnout and lack of room to accommodate the large numbers in the public gallery, chief executive Stephen Ewbank recommended the scheme be deferred.

Councillors agreed a public meeting was necessary in order for them to hear the views of the residents and find a solution to their problems.

The council will send letters to all the homes affected by the scheme outlining its proposed changes, which it will put forward at a public meeting.

The amendments include offering people in the Fields area two residents' permits instead of one, as well as a fixed visitor pass for all zones.

Residents requiring visits from support agencies or carers, as well as households with a family member who is 70 or older, would also be entitled to one parking permit.

Borough councillor Tony Sherlock, chairman of the environment committee, said: 'The council was surprised - but pleasantly so - to have such a large number of people turning up to a council meeting in that their passion and interest is the best illustration of democracy at work.

'We were happy to agree to defer the matter and hold a public meeting.'

Residents had booked a public meeting at the Civic Hall for 7pm on Monday prior to Thursday's meeting. The council is yet to confirm whether it can attend.