Angry locals blast travel firm for promoting that all parking is free of charge in Cornish village leaving it overrun with tourists' cars

A village in Cornwall has become overrun with tourists' vehicles after holiday companies advertised it as 'all parking free of charge'.

Locals in Flushing say they can't park anywhere because holidaymakers are using it as a car park.

They say tourists are being directed there and travel to nearby resorts where parking can be expensive.

One holiday site wrote: 'Unlike Mevagissey, Fowey, Padstow, St Ives and similar towns, parking is usually available, and all parking in Flushing is free of charge.'

The firms have been accused of directing holidaymakers to the Cornwall village - claiming it's free to park and 'much quieter' during peak times.

It's also been suggested tourists had been told by holiday home owners that if they parked on double yellow lines and got a ticket then the rental would pay the fine.

Residents were left fuming after the news came to light at a recent public meeting.

Cllr Rachael Pashley told the meeting: 'This is why we're angry, this is what they are promoting'

One holiday site wrote parking is usually available, and all parking in Flushing is free of charge

A statement on Falmouth Holiday Homes and Flushing Holiday Cottages' website reads: 'Many Cornish villages have become over crowded with tourists, but Flushing is much quieter, even during peak season, and it still benefits from a strong and vibrant community.

'Unlike Mevagissey, Fowey, Padstow, St Ives and similar towns, parking is usually available, and all parking in Flushing is free of charge.

'Welcome to the village.'

The revelation was greeted with consternation by the audience at Flushing Village Hall last Thursday.

Cars parked in the Cornish village of Flushing after holiday companies advertised it free

Cllr Rachael Pashley told the meeting: 'This is why we are angry.

'This is what they are promoting. Everywhere else charges'

Parking problems have been growing in the village for many years with a number of car parking sites already rejected and the sheep field seen as the last throw of the dice.

And the problems were illustrated before the meeting with cars parked all the way along the verges at the entrance to the village, blocking a bus stop and vehicles parked on double yellow lines just outside the local pub.

Falmouth Holiday Homes said the post had been accurate but it had removed it after the council spoke out.

A spokesman told MailOnline: 'We really have nothing to add other than that the statement was fact - unlike many other Cornish towns and villages, all parking in Flushing is free of charge.

'However the statement has subsequently been removed from the website. '