FREE parking at one of the county's biggest tourist event Airbourne has been scrapped.

In previous years, East Sussex County Council suspended parking regulations along Eastbourne seafront for the four days of of the airshow, as around 250,000 people flock to the town.

But this has resulted in complaints about camper vans parking overnight and blocking multiple spaces, leading the council to introduce charges.

Councillor Carl Maynard, the county council’s lead member for transport and environment, said that a few had spoilt it for the majority.

He said: "We have always worked closely with the local community and Eastbourne Borough Council to ensure this flagship event is a success, and this has included making parking on the seafront free.

"Unfortunately, at recent events, this has resulted in a number of camper vans parking for the entire weekend and, due to their size, taking up multiple spaces. This has made it difficult for visitors to park in the area."

This year’s show, which runs from Thursday, August 11 to Sunday, August 14, will see normal charges remaining in place along the seafront.

Provision will be made for traders who need to park their refrigerated vehicles close to the seafront and additional disabled parking spaces for Blue Badge holders will be available in Devonshire Place.

There are a number of car parks available for visitors and a park and ride scheme will operate between 5 Acre Field and Eastbourne Pier, details and timings for which are available on the Airbourne website.

Councillor Maynard said: "Although we are making every effort to ensure that as many parking spaces as possible are available for visitors, thousands of people are expected to attend the event over the weekend and there is likely to be a high demand for spaces, particularly on the seafront.

"We would encourage visitors to use public transport or the park and ride service wherever possible."

Eastbourne Borough Council leader David Tutt said he approved of this move and the problem of campervans had left the county council with no option but to bring back the charges.