MEMBERS of the public are fuming after hearing that the borough council is proposing to charge £12.80 to park at Eastrop for more than four hours.

As previously reported, the borough council wants to charge people to use the two car parks at Eastrop, with charges of £1.10 for up to an hour; £2.20 for two hours; £3.20 for three hours; £4.30 for four hours; and £12.80 for anyone staying longer than four hours.

The charges would apply from 8am until 7pm Monday to Sunday, with evening charges of £2.20.

The Gazette understands that dozens of people have objected to the proposals.

Chris Moore described the plans as “disgusting” and “mean spirited”.

He added: “This will just encourage people to park on the street and do their business within the allotted time with people rushing to go home. Not what the council should be encouraging in these troubled times. Illegal parking will definitely increase.”

He believes the charges will “cause misery for local residents and detract from people visiting Basingstoke” and said he will find street parking and walk if the charges are imposed.

Janet Banning labelled the plans as “outrageous” adding: “There isn’t much for younger children to do in the town you ought to look at Victoria Park in Newbury it’s far better than what Basingstoke have got for the younger children some people stay there all day and take a picnic.”

Amber Oakes told the Gazette: “Eastrop Park is a wonderful place to go for a walk or picnic, to start charging for the luxury would be hugely disappointing.”

Priya Brown, from the Women’s Equality Party Basingstoke said vulnerable members of the community and families with young children will be “hit hardest”.

She added: “The pandemic has shown just how vital access to open public spaces are, particularly for those who do not have private gardens.

“WE believe public parks such as Eastrop should be accessible to absolutely everyone in the community and beyond.

“These charges will adversely affect users of the Roger Morris Community Centre, community groups and clubs who use the park facilities regularly, and anyone wishing to visit arts and cultural events.”

Rachel Harman, 38, a teacher from Black Dam described the proposals as “crazy” adding: “It’s convenient to park here and enjoy the space. I think a lot of people would start using the housing areas to park instead. It would certainly put people off coming here. Local parks are meant to be enjoyed by everyone. I wouldn’t pay that to park here.”

Sarah Rymer, who grew up in Basingstoke but now lives in Saudi Arabia, was visiting her family in the town.

The 38-year-old mother-of-three told the Gazette: “I have come back for a holiday to see my family and we come to Eastrop a lot. If I had to pay it would put me off coming.”

However, Philip and Paula Cant were undecided on their view of the charges.

The couple, from Old Hatch Warren, regularly visit Eastrop Park for a walk.

Philip, 70, said: “It would run up quite a bill for us and we know other people we meet regularly who would feel the same.

“However, there are people using the car park to go to town. We watch people go straight to the shops so in that sense it ought to make things better. We are in two minds about it.”

Paula, 63, who suffers from MS, said walking through the park lifts her spirits, adding: “I wouldn’t mind paying if the money was used to update the park.”

The council has said the introduction of charges will “support the environmental maintenance and improvement of the park and better manage use of the car parks”.

Comments on the plans can be made until July 17 by emailing engineering@basingstoke.gov.uk.

The borough council has been asked for further comment.