A MAN who has set up a tent on Kendal’s New Road to call for a free car park in the town has been ordered to leave by South Lakeland District Council (SLDC).

Fifty-four-year-old Jeff Hayton, who erected a tent in the same spot two years ago, said: “The town is dying on its feet. One of the reasons is we haven’t got free car parking.”

Today, a direction “to Mr Jeffrey Hayton and persons unknown” from SLDC was placed on his tent, ordering him to leave the patch of common land within 48 hours and not to return within three months.

The direction added that failure to comply might result in criminal proceedings.

An SLDC spokesman said: “Under the by-laws as they relate to New Road Common it is an offence to camp on the land without the consent of the council.

“The by-laws are clearly displayed on signs on the land.”