A PLAN to introduce car parking charges at Ilkley Lido have been labelled "disgusting" and "unfair" at a meeting of the town's parish council.

Members rejected Bradford Council's parking charges consultation, arguing it was ill thought out -and they called for a general integrated strategy for the town.

The proposal to introduce charges, ranging from £1 for up to two hours to £3 for more than four hours, is being put forward as part of a strategy for leisure facilities throughout the district.

But is has found little favour in Ilkley where councillors are warning it could lead to dangerous parking nearby and could affect usage of the pool.

At a meeting of Ilkley Parish Council on Monday members made it clear they were not in favour of the scheme which they felt was not coherent.

Coun Andrew Wallbank described the plan as "disgusting" and said it encompassed the whole of the grassed area owned by Bradford Council - including the bowling green and the area where people sit and picnic.

Coun Mike Gibbons stressed his concern about the impact on the area in front of the Lido where inconsiderate parking had been a problem in the past.

"It is an unfair charge and it has not been thought out," he said.

Parish council chairman Councillor Brian Mann said: "It has clearly not been thought out and the phrase grasping at straws comes to mind."

When Bradford first mooted the proposal in February concerns were raised locally that a decision could now be made before a long-awaited car parking review was undertaken in the town.

The scheme was part of a package of proposed cuts to a number of services in a bid to find £53 million in savings and additional income during the next two years.

Bradford Council spending had reduced by more than £172 million since 2011-12, as a result of Government cuts, increased demand and rising costs, according to the local authority. Council tax has also been increased.