Jubilant traders and residents threw a street party to celebrate fighting off on-street parking charges in their village.

Claygate was given a reprieve when a Surrey County Council (SCC) decision to put paid-for parking in Claygate was called in for review.

When plans to put pay and display in the Parade, Albany Crescent and Hare Lane, were revealed they were met with furious opposition.

Campaigners said the charges would destroy business, deter visitors and could potentially kill off the village.

Richard Catling, representing the traders in Claygate, said at the time that the charges would be like “a poison”.

When the cabinet originally refused to remove Claygate from the proposals, a member of the public shouted “This is not democracy”.

Another threatened to put super glue around the parking meters when they came in.

Eventually, after a long, hard fight campaigners won their battle on Saturday, September 24, celebrated the win in style.

The street party, organised by Claygate Shopping Experience, Claygate Village Association and Claygate Against Metered Parking, featured live music and face painting as well as free food and drink.

Councillor Steve Wells said: “It was stupendous. Seeing everybody together was a reminder of why we fought the charges, and an explanation of how we fought them, with all of the community coming together.

“People were up-in-arms when the proposals were revealed, because Claygate is such a unique village, it’s really thriving. The plans struck at the livelihoods of people, and with that the beating heart of the village.

“There were a lot of dark times when it felt like nobody was listening but we managed to get it overturned and people were so beside themselves with excitement, that we just had to throw a party.”

The village now intends to make the street party an annual event.