CAMPAIGNERS fighting planned parking charges at a Harden beauty spot have vowed not to give-up their battle.

A full Bradford Council meeting decided to refer the proposals, for the St Ives estate, to its Executive.

Pam Laking, the chairman of the Friends of St Ives, which is against the plans fearing they will drive visitors away, has now called on the Council to enter into dialogue with the group.

“It was stated in the meeting that other local authorities such as Leeds charged for parking at similar country parks,” said Mrs Laking.

“Our research has found no evidence to back this up. The Council hasn’t responded to any of the points we have raised and won’t speak with us, it’s so frustrating. There has been no proper consultation.

“They say there are sometimes problems with parking at St Ives because it’s so busy, but surely the answer is to provide more space to park, rather than introduce charges. The statement is an acceptance that the introduction of fees would affect visitor numbers."

Visitors would be charged for parking every day, between 8am and 6pm, with fees ranging from £1 to £3.

In response to the criticism, the Council said it sent out consultation letters about its proposals, which were agreed at a budget meeting earlier this year.

A spokesman added: “There have been significant reductions to the Council’s budget. Government funding for Bradford Council services has been cut by £167.5 million since 2010, with an estimated reduction of funding of £100m by 2020. This means some difficult decisions have to be made on how to reduce costs while increasing income.”