COMMUTERS are boycotting a car park and leaving their vehicles in side streets after ticket prices doubled.

One former user of the car park in Firepool, Taunton, says the council that owns the facility has shot itself in the foot as it is losing thousands of pounds of potential revenue by pricing motorists out.

And Chris Horsey says there was just one vehicle on the site on Tuesday - that of a colleague who was able to claim back the cost on expenses.

"There are more seagulls than cars there now," said Mr Horsey, who stressed that his comments represent his personal view and not those of his employer, Viridor.

"A number of staff who can't park in the Viridor car park are quite disappointed at the doubling of the price from £3 a day to £6.

"Up to 20 of us who used to park at Firepool no longer do. We usually use side streets, which the residents don't like.

"Firepool is virtually empty. I used to use it every day, now I don't park there at all.

"The council is missing a trick because it's losing a lot of revenue.

"I do feel sorry for the cricket supporters because they'll have no choice and will have to pay a lot more."

Somerset County Gazette:

PRICE PROTEST: Joe Gibson, Chris Horsey, Rachael Busby, Barry Larkin and Dan Russell who no longer use Firepool car park.

After Mr Horsey wrote to Taunton Deane Borough Council asking for an explanation, he was told councillors had agreed the pricing strategy and there is no plan to amend the charges.

A council spokeswoman told the County Gazette: "The arrangement with a private parking contractor at Firepool was introduced as a temporary measure.

"The council took back control of the space after concerns were expressed over a number of issues.

"Following discussions with the portfolio holder, we came to the conclusion that it would be better for the council to have direct control of this service and make some improvements for the benefit of the customers.

"The tariff at the car park is in line with other commuter car parks. The prices are reviewed annually."