RESIDENTS have won a battle against "greedy" parking conditions in Weymouth harbourside during special events in the town.

The influx of events in the harbourside, such as Fayre in the Square and filming for war blockbuster Dunkirk, has often left residents unable to use their designated permit parking, for which they pay an annual fee.

In previous years, they were able to use the Weymouth and Portland Borough Council car parks nearby, with their permit acting as payment.

However, since Dorset County Council took over responsibility for the permits in July 2015, residents have been told they must pay and display in the borough car parks.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said the decision was "thoughtless and pretty greedy" on the part of the council.

Cllr Jon Orrell, who represents Weymouth East, was approached by concerned residents and he took the matter to the borough council, which ruled that residents could park in its car parks for a reduced fee of £1 during the Seafood Festival and Dunkirk filming.

Holders of valid Zone F on-street residents' parking permits were allowed to park in either the Pavilion or Swannery car parks and holders of Zone L permits were allowed to park in either the Nothe or North Quay car park during the periods when roads in these zones were closed.

Cllr Orrell said: "It is encouraging when constituents come with a concern and one is able to take it up with the council and to be able to resolve it.

"What we need to do now is to make sure the same happens for future events. Hopefully we will move on to make this a principle.

"It is always a matter of trying to balance different people's priorities.

"Festivals are very good for the town so we do not want to stop them and the filming will be a great showcase of what a wonderful town we live in."

It is unclear whether the new parking arrangements will be replicated for future events.

Cllr Colin Huckle, borough council transport spokesman, said: "We know further road closures will be needed for harbour events and filming, so we will be working with Dorset County Council, which manages on-street parking for the borough, to come to a solution to help residents in the future."