A parish council has backed a local referendum by villagers to oppose a proposed £6 million park and ride scheme.

At an emergency parish council meeting in Ide, near Exeter, on Tuesday night, the council voted 7-1 against the 556 parking space scheme at Round Field beside the A30 – A377 interchange.

The vote follows a historic referendum in the village last week when 172 residents (80 per cent) voted against the Devon County Council proposal.

The Ide council will now write a formal response to the county council outlining its objections.

Councillors said the park and ride plan would not ease congestion in the area and along Alphington Road into Exeter and cyclists expressed grave concerns about safety.

The meeting was told that Devon planners wanted to get more people into Exeter for business and shopping purposes.

The consultation period has been extended to the end of May.