More than 3,000 people have signed a petition to save free parking - despite the campaign already have won its fight.

Businesses and community groups set up the STOP (Stop Taxing Our Parking) campaign after Maldon District Council had considered the possibility of axeing free parking in its Maldon car parks.

But following the outcry, supported by more than 2,800 signatures, councillors decided just before Christmas not to charge for evening and Sunday parking, and Saturday parking at the council's Princes Road offices.

However, completed petition forms are still being collected and have been signed by 3,074 people so far.

Campaigners are now focusing on asking residents to response to a Government consultation on parking policy, which closes on February 14.

It can be found at www.gov.uk/government/get-involved.