On election day in Wokingham Borough, voters said they like the area but are worried about parking - and about a proposed new station car park on allotment land in Twyford.
Locals praised facilities and the High Street but warned shops are declining because of parking charges, which they say threaten the town's character.
Marcus Bennett, 43, said the town is "well maintained and looked after".
At Twyford, Fiona Tate said: "It's a tough time for everyone. People are doing their best with the resources they have." Her husband Ryan added: "We live at the end of the road, so we can walk to the station."
Many fear extra parking could mean losing allotments. Diana Loyd, 76, said: "Concreting over our land isn't going to help anyone," and warned: "The allotments are sacred," she said. "Members of Twyford Allotment Association would lie down in front of the bulldozers."
Proposals aim to add around 20 spaces to ease commuter parking on Hurst Road and nearby streets - but for some residents the allotments are non-negotiable.
Ted O'Neill, Local Democracy Reporter
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