Staffordshire ramblers hit out over parking fees

Staffordshire County Council announced last week it would look at introducing fees for visitors to leave cars at some of the most popular visitor spots.

The authority is looking to reduce the £200,000 a year it loses in managing parking.

But Gerald Gittens, area membership officer for Staffordshire Ramblers' 3,000 walkers, said: "If the extra money went into improving country parks it would be great. But of course it won't be. It will simply be used to reduce the council expenditure.

"If you are trying to encourage people to be fit and healthy then putting charges on all of the nice places is not going to work.

"It will de-incentivise people to get out walking and visit the country parks."

The council said it would look at all of its country parks on a case-by-case basis including the likes of Chasewater, between Burntwood and Brownhills, Hanbury Common in Uttoxeter and Consall Nature Park in the Staffordshire Moorlands.

But it is thought if charges are introduced they will be similar to those at Cannock Chase Country Park where it is £1 for three hours and £2 thereafter.

Mr Gittens, who lives in Vanity Close, Stone, added: "

There is nothing wrong with the way it's managed at the moment even with limited resources.

"I can't believe a private organisation is going to do any better.

"How will they find the money? They will probably put up parking charges."