PLANS to lock Dawlish Town Council’s car park over the festive season have prompted calls to keep it open as a gesture of goodwill.

The council has announced to residents and visitors the ‘private’ car park at the Manor House council offices will be locked over Christmas and New Year for security reasons.

In a statement, it said: ‘Please be aware the council offices and the associated private car park will be closed and secured to the public over the Christmas and New Year period.

‘To avoid inconvenience, we kindly request that all vehicles are removed from the premises.’

It will be shut from 6pm on Tuesday December 23 until Monday January 5 at 9am.

The council said: ‘During this period, no access will be available, and any vehicles remaining in the car park after the closure time may not be accessible until reopening.

‘We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we ensure the security of the site over the festive break.’

But the announcement has caused complaints.

One resident said: ‘Surely in the season of goodwill it would be a nice gesture to leave it open for the use of residents and visiting families?’

There was widespread outrage when the council introduced the ruling in 2013.

Another resident pointed out: ‘When they first put the gates on they said they would lock them every night this does not happen. So why lock them in the festive season?’

There is also dispute over whether the land is private or public as the Manor House and its grounds are said to have been ‘gifted’ to the people of Dawlish.

Motorists who are not using the venue either for council business of for events and classes held at the Georgian property are prohibited from using the Manor’s carpark.

When the ban was introduced, residents lobbied for the car park to remain available for community use as many neighbouring properties only have on-street parking.