USERS of a Basingstoke park have criticised the borough council for introducing parking charges which were supported by just one person.

As previously reported, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has decided to go ahead with introducing parking charges at Eastrop, despite 59 people objecting to the plans and only one supporting them.

Read more: Eastrop parking charges given go-ahead despite only one person supporting the plans

The charges, which are expected to start mid-May once new signage and parking machines have been installed at a cost of £8,000, will see visitors having to pay £8 to stay the day.

Reacting to the news on the Gazette’s Facebook page, park users expressed their anger at the decision.

Sheena Grassi said: “For many families in Basingstoke this is their holiday destination. They cannot afford to go on holiday. It’s always been a public amenity. Also, many retired people use this park as well, many on fixed incomes. It’s always the most vulnerable in society which as susceptible to this kind of callous behaviour.”

Emma-Louise Hodder, who was with her children in Eastrop Park, described the charges as “frustrating”, adding: “Not many free things for children in Basingstoke. Once again Basingstoke council putting money before the families who need the outdoor space, especially those of us who don’t have gardens.”

Karen Rose Cale said the charges will hit families, adding: “Basingstoke council you should be ashamed.”

However, Martin Robertson suggested more people need to cycle or walk rather than drive.

Tom Payne, the borough council’s interim executive director of residents’ services, defended the decision to implement charges, describing them as a “balance”.

He added: “Eastrop Park is a destination green flag park in the town centre visited and enjoyed by many. It is currently free to park, giving people easy access to the open space and other facilities and activities. But the disadvantage of this is that it has also become popular with shoppers and people going to Basing View, meaning there are less spaces available for people and families wanting to visit the park.

“When considering the introduction of charges at the car parks at Eastrop we have carried out two consultations. The proposed tariffs were reduced following the feedback from the original consultation. The revised charges are far lower than our standard short stay car parking charges - £1 for two hours and £2 for four hours – while longer term parking charges will be the same as other town centre car parks.

“This strikes the balance between not restricting access to a low-cost town centre activity for people and families and deterring those who are parking there to go to other places in the town centre.”

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