Poldark's popularity creates parking fee row

The National Trust has been accused of cashing in on the success of Poldark by introducing parking charges at an historic mine in Cornwall where 31 men lost their lives.

Part of the first series of the TV show was filmed at Levant Mine. Since then, annual visitor numbers have soared by 50 per cent to 100,000.

Parking at the site in Cornwall was always free but now costs £1 an hour.

The National Trust argues that by introducing parking fees they are now able to conserve and maintain the site.

But locals say they don't want it to become a Poldark tourist attraction - and it should remain a sacred spot for the relatives of all those who died in the 1919 disaster.

Public feeling is high and earlier this month the ticket machine was ripped out of the ground.

It's due to be replaced today, but Ian Cooke, who is campaigning against the move on social media says they haven't given up the fight.