A last-minute campaign by hundreds of local people has failed to stop Winches-ter civic chiefs from pressing on with plans for big in-creases in residents'-only parking fees.

Thousands of city centre residents face rises of up to 233 per cent for permits. In one of the biggest protests in recent history, some 600 people objected to the plans, saying the increases were unjustified. Opposition was particularly fierce in Hyde and St Cross.

Although the increases were agreed in principle last autumn, widespread anger erupted when the council last month launched a formal consultation of the 4,300 permit holders.

Residents attacked the proposals which were approved at Cabinet yesterday.

Mike Gibbons, of Clausentum Road, St Cross, said: "The increases are not in line with inflation and cannot be justified."

Dr Brian Pickering, of St Faiths Road, St Cross, said: "We as residents are a captive audience. We don't feel our objections have been listened to."

The Liberal-Democrat controlled council argues that the scheme needs a big increase to cover more of its £310,00 annual cost.

Councillor Richard Knasel, portfolio holder for transport, said: "The scheme is expensive but very important. Winchester couldn't survive without a residents' parking scheme."

Mr Knasel said city centre residents should pay for the scheme because people from outside Winchester did not enjoy its benefits.

He proposed a review of the zones and the cost of parking between the inner and outer zone.