PARKING charges in Craven's car parks will remain the same for the fifth year in a row – but some cremation fees will increase by more than 40 per cent.

Charging in council-owned car parks across Craven will remain unchanged in order to maintain the 'vibrancy' of towns and to encourage more visitors, says Craven District Council.

The collection of garden waste from April will also rise from £24 per year to £26 per year – or £1.30 per collection.

However, some burial and cremation fees will increase significantly, including the purchase of a cremated remains plot – from £256 to £360, and the interment of cremated remains from £134 to £180.

A Craven District Council spokesman said: “When a plot has been purchased for burial of cremated remains in an earth grave, they cannot be disturbed without a licence. This means the land cannot be reused.

“The council wishes to ensure the cemetery is sustainable for the long-term future, so we would hope to encourage purchase of above-ground vault options as an alternative for families when choosing a memorial for their loved ones. This is a more sustainable option as families can choose to renew the 30-year lease period. If they choose not to renew, cremated remains are returned to the family and the vault can then be re-used."

The spokesman added the new charges were still significantly lower than other authorities.

The cost of interment of cremated remains had been increased to allow for the cost of contracting grave diggers, but was still favourable when compared to other council areas.

Charges in Skipton's High Street car park will remain at £1.20 for an hour and £8 for more than four hours, while parking in Coach Street will stay at £1.10 for an hour and £4.50 for more than four.

Parking in Ashfield Car Park, Settle, will remain at £1 for an hour and £3.10 for four; and at Backgate in Ingleton, 90p for an hour and £3.60 for four.

The council has also retained its 'pop and shop' scheme, which allows shoppers to park at the High Street Car Park in Skipton for up to 30 minutes for 20p.

The cost of parking permits has also been frozen for residents at £47.50 for a short stay pass, or £315 for an unlimited permit.

Paul Ellis, the council's director of services, said: “These are difficult times financially for local authorities, but we felt it was important to keep parking charges the same in order to maintain the vibrancy of our towns and encourage more visitors.”