METAL street poles have been targeted by vandals in what is suspected to be a protest against Wirral Council's controversial plans to impose parking fees across the borough.

Merseyside Police said it was appealing for information following a report of criminal damage in Birkenhead on Sunday, October 6. 

A spokeswoman for the force said: "At around 9.40pm it was reported that two people were seen cutting down metal street poles along Cecil Road and Elm Road North with an angle grinder. They then made off in the direction of Woodchurch Road.

"Enquiries are now underway to identify the suspects and bring them to justice. 

"Officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone who captured any CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage to please get in touch.

"Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook with reference be 24000854672."

One local resident who did not want to be named said: "Residents are furious.

"A neighbour saw the lads doing it with an angle grinder at around 9.45pm on Sunday night. They shouted that it was a 'revolution'."

(Image: Anonymous)

Wirral Council is planning to start charging for parking at 22 car parks and on several streets.

Changes that look set to be brought in by Wirral Council mean parking on certain car parks and streets will not be free until after 8pm.

As well as at the 22 currently-free car parks, charges are expected to be brought in for on-street parking bays in places including Kings Parade and Coastal Drive in New Brighton, North Parade and Meols Parade in Hoylake and Meols, and South Parade in West Kirby.

Wirral Council has been contacted for comment.