Jude Robinson, who represents the town’s Arwenack ward, said: “I’m sure we all understand MP Cherilyn Mackrory trying to distance herself from her party’s massive hike in car parking charges. But to try and take a swing at Falmouth’s Labour town councillors at the same time was pretty disappointing.

“The people of Falmouth elected us, whether our Conservative MP likes it or not. We are all unpaid volunteers who give a lot of our time and energy to serve our town. And generally on the town council, we work together, whatever party we are in, or none at all.

“There are disagreements within the council over Church Street car park but one thing is clear: the decision on its future is Cornwall Council’s – and that is run by Cherilyn Mackrory’s party. It was Cornwall Council that said Falmouth could take over the car park but not to use it as a car park. Alleging that this is somehow down to Labour councillors is completely wrong.”

She added: “What Falmouth Town Council has done is to work with the community to find ideas for alternative uses for the car park and also to ask Cornwall Council if it could still be used as a car park part of the time. If Cornwall Council does not agree and Falmouth Town Council does not take on the car park, it is up to Cornwall Council what happens next, perhaps a sale to developers? Or some private use? We don’t know.

“When we work together, we can make things happen. The support of all councillors for the Pendennis Headland transfer showed that, the decision to take on Tall Ships, the amazing ‘Arthur’ exhibition, so many of the positive things happening in Falmouth are down to firstly, our brilliant employees but also the decisions of local, unpaid councillors – of all political views – and it would be nice to have support from our MP. I hope this attack on some of us was just a silly mistake and that she is willing to acknowledge it and help us in the work for a better future for our town.”