COUNCIL bosses have decided to go ahead with plans to introduce parking fees at a beauty spot, despite campaigners gathering a petition calling for a re-think.

The charges will be introduced at the St Ives Estate in Harden, among other sites across the district.

Pam Laking, of the Friends of St Ives, presented the petition, saying: “Relatively little would be raised by these charges, yet it could do so much damage.”

She said there had been a huge outcry at the plans but the Friends felt “so disillusioned” by the council’s unwillingness to listen, they could fold entirely.

Officers said they expected the money generated by the fees will pay for the installation of the parking system in less than a year.

Bradford Council leader, Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, said this is “a very good business case”.

She added: “It’s a shame we have to do this but I can’t see any other way round it at the moment, I’m afraid. On the agenda coming up we have a £6 million overspend.”

She said the decision to introduce parking fees had been taken in last year’s budget meeting and they will be sticking to the plan.

The executive voted to dismiss the petition.

MORE TOP STORIES