CAMPAIGNERS fighting controversial plans to extend pay and display parking on streets close to Poole's beaches have organised a public meeting this weekend.

Branksome Park, Candford Cliffs & District Residents' Association is hosting the event to seek residents' views on the Borough of Poole (BOP) proposals.

Organisers say BOP transportation head Julian McLaughlin will address the meeting, and that all three ward councillors should also be in attendance.

The council is currently consulting on a number of parking proposals, including extending on street pay and display parking and introducing parking charges at Upton Country House and at a number of the borough's public parks.

Indeed, a council-run drop-in session to provide information on the consultation is scheduled for the the Haven Hotel, Sandbanks, today, from 1-7pm.

Branksome Park, Canford Cliffs & District Residents' Association chairman John Sprackling said: "It is the view of the association that there is no demonstrated need for the on road parking scheme - limited congestion at Sandbanks can be accommodated in other car parks.

"We want to encourage, not discourage visitors to Poole."

Meanwhile, Bob Lister, chairman of the Poole Beach Huts Association, has organised a petition in opposition to the council's plans that has been signed by hundreds of people.

Residents have until April 6 to register their views on the parking proposals.

These proposals include extending the pay and display scheme at Canford Cliffs Chine, Branksome Chine & Sandbanks Peninsula.

The council also wants to hear residents' views on introducing car parking charges at Upton Country Park, Hamworthy Park, Lake Pier, Newfoundland Drive Skateboard Park, Rockley Park and Whitecliff Park.

BOP transportation member Cllr Drew Mellor said: "Poole's beaches are popular destinations and at peak times during the summer months we already have problems with traffic flow and parking.

"This issue is only going to get worse so we need to look at ways to better manager parking including on-street pay and display parking."

The residents association meeting, which is open to all members of the public, is scheduled for All Saints Church Hall, Western Road, Branksome Park, at 10.30am on March 12.