PARKING charges are set to be introduced at the Severn Valley Country Park in Alveley to bring it in line with attractions across the county.
Shropshire Council says money raised from the proposed £1 a day parking fee will be reinvested back into the park, which will remain free to visitors. But the plan has been criticised locally amid fears it will drive people away.
The park has seen an increase in visitor numbers during the recession, with people looking for a free day out. Communications officer Rian Huxley said: “Shropshire Council is looking into the implementation of car parking charges at the Severn Valley Country Park.
“The proposed charge will be only £1 per day whilst visitors can enjoy the beauty of the park for free. Income raised from car parking fees will be reinvested back into the park ensuring that it remains one of Shropshire’s premier country parks.”
Season tickets will be available for £20 and include parking 12 months, plus membership of the Severn Valley Supporters Group, newsletter and vouchers for events and refreshments in the tea shop.
Season tickets can also be used at The Mere at Ellesmere car parks, while people on low incomes can have up to 50 per cent slashed from their season ticket price, if they are part of the leisure concession scheme.
Alveley Parish Councillor Colin Taylor said he felt the charges at the park would be a retrograde step. “People have certainly not been consulted on it, so there needs to be a consultation,” he said.
“There are an awful lot of people in this village who go down there to take their dogs for a walk. They drive down and then go for a walk, but you can’t expect them to pay the charges.
“It’s great having it there and the facilities are fantastic, but there is a lot of traffic going through to the Severn Valley Country Park so it’s something I feel needs to be looked at and managed.”
Shropshire Councillor for Alveley and Claverley Tina Woodward said she was meeting with officers on March 24 to discuss the plans in more detail.
