It has gained support from one of the UK's leading business organisations and plans to lobby Conservative leader David Cameron.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has joined residents to oppose the introduction of parking charges, which were recommended for approval by South Norfolk Council's Cabinet on Monday.

FSB national chairman John Wright visited Harleston yesterday to meet campaigners and show his support.

"Draconian parking restrictions in town centres all over the country are destroying our small independent shops," he said.

"Small shops are not just part of the local community – they are the local community."

Mr Wright said he was delighted to back the campaign by the Harleston and District Car Parks Group, saying it was intrinsically linked to the FSB's national campaign Keep Trade Local.

He added: "I hope other communities across the country will join us in halting the decline of town centres."

But South Norfolk's leader John Fuller accused Harleston people of being interested in a showdown rather than a solution.

He said: "In Loddon, we have been successfully able to negotiate two hours' free parking and they are delighted."

"For the last eight weeks we have been trying to get someone from Harleston to negotiate with us.

"The best thing the chairman of the FSB can do is try and knock heads together in Harleston and get someone from the town to come and talk to us about car parking."

The FSB and car parks group have produced postcards addressed to Mr Cameron, which show a 7ft hour glass and the slogan Keep Time On Our Side, which will be placed around the town and in surrounding villages.

People are being urged to fill in the postcards and send them to Mr Cameron, to show support for the campaign.

A car parks group spokesman said: "When you have a way of life that is sought after in so many parts of the country, it seems crazy to throw it away.

"This is a voice for democracy and that is a voice which is being ignored at the moment."

The Cabinet recommended the report detailing car parking charges for approval.

The final decision will be made by South Norfolk's full council meeting on May 12.