But Conservative local economy chief Philip Circus dismissed the claims as 'nonsense' and called on the opposition party to 'stop playing games and genuinely work with us in a spirit of constructive engagement'.

In a statement issued by the Lib Dems, it was said: "Figures released by Horsham District Council show that the number of people using Horsham town centre car parks has dropped by two per cent in the first three months of 2008.

"Excluding Sundays when parking is free, parking numbers in Quarter 1 2008 were 359,355, down from 367,355 in Quarter 1 2007.

However, Mr Circus, who has responsibility for both the local economy and car parking, responded: "I am preparing to nominate the Liberal Democrats' press release for the Booker Prize for Outstanding Works of Fiction. Presumably, it will fall into the humour category because it is hard to see how they could have kept a straight face long enough to write it."

What do you think of car parking in Horsham? Add your comments below.

For comprehensive coverage of all the stories making the local news, read Friday's edition of the West Sussex County Times newspaper. Website users who wish to purchase a copy of the County Times newspaper but live outside our circulation area can do so by telephoning 01403 751200 and asking for reception. The cost of the newspaper plus postage in England is £1.53 which can be paid for by credit card. Overseas rates are also available, on request.