A LEADING councillor says his authority won’t sign up to a new parking scheme because he fears people might be “ripped-off”.

Basildon Council has withdrawn from talks to set up a south Essex consortium of councils who would control on-street parking and enforcement.

Essex County Council wants to give up the responsibility to save £900,000.

However, Malcolm Buckley, councillor responsible for environment at Basildon Council, said he was not convinced by the new strategy.

Rochford and Epping Forest councils are also objecting to the partnership, with only two out of six authorities signed up to go in the scheme which would be run by Chelmsford Council.

Mr Buckley said: “We don’t have objections to joining the partnership.

“We are against the business plans to deliver the service which we consider will be a rip-off to residents of the Basildon district.”

Norman Hume, councillor responsible for highways, said if no agreement was reached parking services could go out to tender and be run by a private firm.

Peter Martin, leader of Essex County Council, added: “I understand there are councils that want to revisit governance arrangements and Basildon has chosen to withdraw from discussions.

“However, there is the chance to save a significant amount of money for the council taxpayer.”

All six authorities in the north have agreed to form a partnership with Colchester Council responsible for day-to-day operations.