Council to discuss parking fee plan for attraction

Plans to introduce parking charges at a country park in Nottinghamshire are set to be discussed by councillors.

It is currently free to park at Gedling Country Park, but Gedling Borough Council wants to introduce a daily charge of £2.

The authority said the fee would ensure the park "can continue to meet maintenance needs, such as addressing potholes in the upper car park".

The authority's cabinet will be asked to approve the plans at a meeting on 9 January.

The park opened in 2014 and in December 2017, voluntary donations were introduced, providing between £4,000 and £6,000 a year in supplementary income, a report said.

If approved, the charge will apply to those visiting the park between 08:00 and 18:00, allowing early morning or late evening visitors to "access the park at no extra cost".

The council said the £2 charge could raise up to £200,000 per year towards the maintenance and upkeep of the park.

The authority is also proposing to introduce a permit system for regular visitors and for members and volunteers of the Friends of Gedling Country Park group.

In addition to the introduction of charges at the park, the council wants to introduce cashless payment options at car parks across the borough.

However, the authority said cash would continue to be accepted at all car parks.

John Clarke, leader of Gedling Borough Council, said: "These proposals aim to strike a balance between ensuring our parks and public spaces are well-maintained while making parking more convenient for residents and visitors.

"The introduction of £2 all day charges at Gedling Country Park will help us sustain and improve this community space for the long term and is the same cost as a cup of tea at the park's cafe, which we think is very reasonable compared to other country park car park charges."

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