East Suffolk Council is to move ahead with plans to increase parking charges at its seafront car parks, despite a campaign opposing the scheme led by Claremont Pier.

The attraction created a petition highlighting the impact that doubling the charges would have on the town, allowing director Ben Llewellyn to address councillors directly.

“With 2,462 signatures we were given the chance to speak to full council last night,” said a spokesperson for the pier on 19 March. “Ben Llewellyn, who started the petition, spoke in front of the council to give his thoughts, not just for businesses but residents as well.”

“After Ben spoke the councillors then took it in turns to speak for 30 minutes, but he was not able to change their minds on the car parking charges increase. All we can say is well done Ben for trying to make a difference.”

A number of councillors backed Llewellyn’s efforts during the meeting, with Councillor George King adding he and his colleagues “will continue to do all we can to support you and your business in the future.”

When reason and common sense don’t work, one just has to be honest: halfwits.