A LIFELONG resident has hit out over a free parking area turning into a pay and display car park.

Gordon Meek is calling on Essex County Council and Greater Anglia to explain why land in front of Dovercourt Railway Station has been turned into a pay and display car park.

Mr Meek, who lives in Station Road, Dovercourt, said he has contacted the council and rail service for answers a number of times, to no avail.

The 47-year-old said the triangular area outside the station had been free to park on for about 40 years.

He said: “It was a place Essex Air Ambulance could land too, and it is now a pay and display car park.

“My family has always parked there when they visit.

“My mum is quite ill and my family comes to visit her regularly and it’s been the only free parking in the area for 40 years.”

Mr Meek, a full-time carer for his mother, said the land turned into a pay and display car park about a month ago.

The land can accommodate about ten cars.

He claims residents were not notified they would be charged if they parked there, and many have received parking charge notices.

He said: “Residents all are of the same opinion that this is public land.

“This went up without any notice, and there has been no notice anywhere about it.”

Essex Council Council said the area does not fall under Essex Highways’ land.

A Greater Anglia spokesman said: “We made some changes to car parking arrangements at some rural stations from July 15.

“To bring these car parks in line with others on our network, charges will be introduced at some car parks at rural stations.

“Prices are set to ensure that when a passenger drives to a station they have the best chance of finding a space in good time to catch their train.

“All money from car parks is reinvested back into the railway, improving car parks and cycle parking for customers.

“We’re also working to make it easier for people to use other transport including buses, bikes or walking to use our stations, including providing more than 9,000 free cycle spaces across our network.”

Greater Anglia sets the tariffs, but the car parks are managed by NCP.