ANGRY motorists attacked payment meters as drivers shunned council-owned car parks in their droves.

The vandals struck at Coleford and Redbrook shortly after the payment machines were installed ready for the charging regime which came into force this week.

And as drivers tried to avoid the charges by using side streets and every spare bit of land, Mitcheldean Parish Council laid on an alternative car park in the village.

On Monday morning car parks across the Forest were virtually deserted as motorists tried to avoid paying between 20p and £1.50.

Coleford baker Ronald Kear condemned the charges, which saw motorists rushing to take advantage of free spaces at the Co-op and the Main Place.

Moores Bakery is in Pyart Court, where owner Clive Bath has installed meters so shopkeepers can give customer refunds.

"I think he was forced into it, otherwise people would have abused the car park," said Ronald.

For full story see this week's Forester