RESIDENTS' permits have been proposed as a possible solution to parking problems around Penryn station once new student accommodation opens in the autumn.

The idea will be discussed at a public meeting on Thursday in the Town Hall at 7pm.

Ben Dickinson, from Cornwall Council's highways department, will be at the meeting to discuss the suggestion of permits for residents of Station Road, Helston Road and West Street, which was put forward by Cornwall and town councillor Mary May.

While the 231 apartments are being built, parking along Station Road has been banned until May, when the scheme is due for completion.

Mrs May said this meant about 26 spaces had been lost, but she expected bigger problems once the students moved into the new building.

"There'll be 231 students coming here and although they're supposed to sign a policy to say they won't bring their cars, there's no one to police it," she said.

"The idea we're looking at is parking permits. We've been down this road before, but we need to look at it again.

"They're not really a good thing for residents, as they'll have to pay and it doesn't guarantee a space, and this isn't a quick fix by any means."

Nothing would be done unless the majority of residents in the affected streets voted in favour of permits.

"It will be up to the residents to vote on it to take it forward," said Mrs May.