Councillors at Redruth town council are so disgusted with Kerrier district council's lack of communication over the hike in car parking charges and time restrictions, it is considering making an official complaint to the ombudsman.

The authority wrote to Coun Mike Clayton, portfolio holder at Kerrier council on June 6, lamenting the rise in charges and the three-hour time limit and has not yet had specific suggestions answered.

Peter Bennett, the town clerk wrote: "I have been instructed to write expressing our serious concerns about the management of the car parks in Redruth, and request that you revisit these increases and time limits forthwith. Alternatively, we would be prepared to enter into negotiations with a view to the town council taking over the management and running of these car parks.

At a meeting on Monday, Coun Bill Turner said: "I think it is disgraceful that Kerrier district council have not responded to us."

Coun Mike Eddowes, who wore a morning coat to a previous meeting to express his disgust at the price hike and what he termed as "yet another nail in Redruth's coffin," agreed.

Chair of the general purposes committee Coun Sally Dinham said the lack of communication was like bashing your head against a brick wall.

Mr Turner said: "If sufficient responses are not forthcoming then we should look into complaining to the ombudsman.

"If Kerrier won't look at it, then they are suffering from a derelict of duty and they aren't looking after the people they are supposed to be looking after."

Coun Stephen Barnes said that Kerrier district council wouldn't be in this situation and if they had consulted with the town council in the first place.

He said by consulting with the town council Kerrier could: "eliminate the risk of further costly errors."

Coun Len Pascoe recommended that the car parks return to their original state, back to the 1997 fees, because of the economic situation and poverty that exists in the town to start the process of regeneration.

Mr Barnes added that that should be a first step with a view to free parking in the town.

The town council will write to Kerrier again expressing these views and requesting a reply.

The issue of car parks will remain on the town council's agenda as a high priority item.