A PETITION has been launched against the introduction of parking charges at Eastrop Park.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has introduced parking charges at the town centre park, despite just one person supporting the proposals.

Read more: Almost 90 per cent against parking charges at Eastrop

The charges, which are set to start this month, will see visitors having to pay £8 to stay the day.

Now, a petition has been launched calling on the borough council to review the decision, made by Councillor Hayle Eachus, cabinet member for recycling, waste and regulatory services.

With support from borough councillors in Eastrop and Grove and Norden, along with the Women’s Equality Party Basingstoke, the petition says the parking charges will “adversely affect those on a low income”.

Councillor Paul Basham, a Norden borough councillor for Basingstoke and Deane Independent Group, who started the petition, said: “The introduction of parking charges at Eastrop Park has been implemented during a cost of living crisis.

“It ignored a significant level (c99 per cent) of public objection; it restricts access to outdoor space and exercise with the associated health benefits following pandemic restrictions; it adversely affects those on a low income (according to the council’s own equalities impact assessment) predominantly women who are far more likely to be poor, have care of children, and not have access to their own garden; it impacts on the elderly and infirm and their carers; and it sets a precedent that charging for access to parks in Basingstoke and Deane is okay. It is not okay.”

The petition has been signed by more than 150 in the 24 hours since it was launched.

To sign the petition click here. 

The borough council has been asked for a comment.

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