BASINGSTOKE and Deane Borough Council has defended its plans to introduce charges to park at Eastrop Park.

As previously reported, the council wants to charge for people to use the two car parks at Eastrop charging £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.

Park users reacted with fury to the plans, labelling them “outrageous”, “disgusting” and “mean spirited”.

Now, Councillor Hayley Eachus, the borough council’s cabinet member for regulatory services, has defended the proposals claiming it will make use of the car parks “fairer”.

She said: “Eastrop Park is a destination green flag park in the town centre, visited and enjoyed by many and it is important it can be accessed by those people using the facilities.

“The car park is currently free of charge and is known to be well used by shoppers and visitors to Basing View, meaning that there can be less spaces available to visitors to the park.

“Introducing car parking charges at the site would strike a fair balance between those visiting the park and those who park at the site to visit the town centre. They could also help towards the upkeep of the park.”

The Gazette has asked the council for further details as to what the money made from parking charges would be used for at Eastrop.

Cllr Eachus said a public consultation on the proposed charges took place between November 2020 and January 2021 as part of the council’s 2021/2022 budget setting process.

She added: “A report will be prepared containing all of the comments and objections, after the close of the advertisement period of July 17 and this will be available on the council’s website.”

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