A PETITION against the council’s decision to introduce parking charges at Eastrop is gathering momentum as more than 500 people have signed it in three days.

Councillor Paul Basham, a Norden borough councillor for Basingstoke and Deane Independent Group, started the petition on Saturday calling on the council to review its decision, made by Councillor Hayley Eachus, cabinet member for recycling, waste and regulatory services.

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

A public consultation on the proposals saw just one person support the plans.

Read more: Petition launched against Eastrop parking charges

Campaigners are now planning a demonstration at Eastrop Park this Saturday to make their views known.

Cllr Basham, with support from local councillors and the Women’s Equality Party Basingstoke, is inviting the public to join them at the furthest car park at Eastrop at midday on May 28.

He said: “I’ve objected to these charges from the start. And I knew from the doorstep response during the election campaign that local people remained pretty angry about this. “So, the petition response is fantastic but no less than expected.”

He encouraged people to come along on Saturday to sign the petition and “show the council the depth of local feeling on this issue”.

To sign the petition click here.

The borough council is yet to respond to a request for a comment.

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