A PETITION signed by thousands of people against the borough council’s decision to introduce parking charges at Eastrop Park has been submitted.

Cllr Paul Basham, Norden ward councillor, handed over the petition, which has been signed by 2,240 people, at a meeting of the full council on Thursday, July 14. It calls on the council to review its decision.

The charges were due to be brought in in May but have been put on hold while the authority considers the petition.

If the council stands by its decision visitors will have to pay £8 to stay the day.

READ MORE: Parking remains free at Eastrop while petition is considered

Cllr Basham, with the support from fellow councillors and the Women’s Equality Party Basingstoke, gained huge backing for the petition – including visitors from Ukraine and Australia.

In his maiden speech to the council, Cllr Basham said: “I am delighted to bring this petition to council today, it marks a significant point in challenging the introduction of parking charges at Eastrop Park. I have resisted these charges from the beginning. 

“Charging to park at the local park crosses a Rubicon. Access to public space should be free. The health benefits of outdoor space are well documented. The pandemic has shown us how vital easy and free access to green space is.”

SEE ALSO: Campaigners demonstrate against Eastrop parking charges in protest

He continued: “I live in Norden - which has a deficit of green space. It has no park - so residents use Eastrop Park. My family use the park. My 10-year-old daughter and I cycle to the park - then my wife drives to collect her and her bike because she is not yet strong enough to cycle safely back up the hill. Without free short-stay parking, my daughter would not get to practice her cycling.”

Cllr Basham shared stories of other people who use the park to boost their mental and physical health.

He said that after the proposal was shared last the summer, the council’s equalities assessment said that “charges discriminated against those on low incomes” and while they were revised due to objections, they are still not supported.

“Please come up with a solution that does not penalise those on low incomes – particularly carers and the infirm. Many of them women – childminders, mums - disproportionately women,” Cllr Basham said.

“Our council can be better than this. Residents expect better than this. If there is a problem, let us address the problem - not penalise the many for the sins of the few.”

In May campaigners made their voices heard at a demonstration calling for free parking at Eastrop Park.

The petition will now be handed to the relevant council department for consideration.

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