AN Upton resident has repeated his call for BCP Council to review the parking charges at a nearby country park due to residents parking on nearby roads.
Resident Jamie Dunn is one of a handful of residents who have long called for the council to reconsider the charges at Upton Country Park.
A question asked on his behalf at the full council meeting on Tuesday November 8 said: “Upton Country Park used to be a free to park destination.
“If a young family chooses to spend a day at UCP then they are required to pay £6 or more if at least 4 hours are spent.
Read more: Upton Country Park visitors cause parking issues in nearby roads
“Since my UCP statement was read out in January full council, no correspondence and no prices have chosen to be reviewed.
“The public are continuing to find other residential roads, namely in Creekmoor, Upton and Hamworthy around the perimeter of UCP.
“Can I ask why this continues to be the case and when prices will be reviewed at council level?”
Recently, an increase in parking charges at the popular attraction have been described as a “kick in the teeth”.
BCP Council defended the new prices, which includes increases of around 30 per cent, as key to the conservation and maintenance of the grounds – while also pushing sustainable travel to the country park.
At the full council meeting, Cllr Mark Anderson, cabinet member for place and environment said: “The multi award-winning Upton Country Park and Grade II listed Upton House is visited by over 600,000 people annually.
Read more: Upton Country Park car parking prices rise again
“The 160 acre site is open seven days a week and unlike many large parks and attractions is free to enter, with facilities such as the children’s play park, splash fountain and bird hide free for all visitors to enjoy."
He said the park supports a range of community programmes and hosts free or low-cost subsidised activities for families during the school holidays.
“BCP Council has made significant investment to create a new network of sustainable transport routes, providing safe and environmentally friendly travel alternatives to driving", he added.
“Upton Country Park can be reached by foot, cycle, train, and bus. Using alternatives to the car reduces carbon emissions and improves air quality and will make significant steps in tackling local and national transport and environmental issues.
“The low parking tariffs at the park for those who want to drive still provide excellent value, and regular park users can buy a parking season ticket for the equivalent of less than £1 per week.
“Following public consultation, car park charges were introduced in 2017 with all monies raised from parking supports Upton Country Park conservation, maintenance, and education programmes and helps to reduce the pressure on BCP Council budgets, allowing for other investments to support local people.”
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