CONTROVERSIAL car parking charges at a Basingstoke park are to be scrapped, allowing people to visit for as long as they like without paying for parking.

Visitors to Eastrop Park will have no limit on how long they can park for free, thanks to a decision by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s new cabinet to stop charging for parking.

Charges for stays over two hours were introduced at the car parks at the Basingstoke town centre park in September last year, despite campaigners objecting. 

Read more: Protest held at Eastrop Park against parking charges

Protestors gathered at the park and a petition was signed by hundreds calling on the council not to charge visitors to pay for parking. 

However, the council, which at the time was run by a Conservative administration, went ahead with the unpopular decision to introduce charges for the first time in the park's 50 year history. 

Now, the council’s new cabinet has announced, at its first meeting tonight (Monday July 17), that charges are being removed at the car park so people can enjoy the facilities at Eastrop Park for longer.

The announcement comes in time for the start of the school summer holidays, with the seasonal children’s paddling pool already open for families.

Cabinet member for strategic planning and infrastructure Cllr Andy Konieczko said: “We know that our parks and open spaces are highly valued by our residents and Eastrop Park is a much-loved destination attracting people from across the borough.

"Covid showed us the importance of having access to parks and open spaces.

See also: Hundreds sign petition against introducing parking charges at Eastrop Park

“While we will always encourage people to walk, cycle or use public transport to get to the park if possible, we understand that this isn’t always possible for families, particularly those travelling a distance.

“Providing opportunities for people to enjoy free outdoor play facilities that are well maintained is a priority for us. We have listened to residents who objected to the charges when they were introduced.”

Free cycle parking has also been installed at the park to offer families somewhere to store their bikes and encourage more sustainable methods of travel to the open space.