A BACKLASH against Poole council's plans to introduce parking charges at five public parks is gathering pace as more than 1,500 sign a petition against the proposal in just 48 hours.

Cabinet members agreed in principle to charge motorists to park at Poole Park, Hamworthy Park, Upton Country Park, Whitecliff and Baiter skatepark as part of a raft of income generating measures it says are a direct result of the Chancellor's recent budget.

But residents have slammed the move as 'a cynical tax on local families' and said people will abandon the parks or simply leave their cars elsewhere - creating issues on residential roads.

An online petition on the website 38degrees.org.uk called 'Stop the implementation of parking charges at parks in Poole' has already been signed by more than 1,500 people.

One signatory called the plan "outrageous," adding: "It costs a fortune to do anything with kids these days, and think we pay enough council tax to be able to enjoy the town we live in for free!"

Others said: "It's a public park for the free benefit of us all, not a money-spinning facility," and "Parking is bad enough in Poole as it is. Leave our park alone!"

Liberal Democrat councillor Philip Eades, who has opposed the plan, urged residents to contact their ward councillors to make their views known.

"I can't believe the Tories are going down this route - the council really isn't that short of funds - they don't need to do this," he said.

He branded the proposed charges "unfair and unnecessary" adding: "This has been discussed before and there is a reason we have not done it - the people of Poole really really don't want this."

Cllr May Haines, cabinet portfolio holder for finance, said faced the borough faced "a significant financial challenge" including a "funding gap of more than £5million" next year, adding "difficult decision will have to be made in Poole as we work to maintain and protect services the public value, such as accessing our open spaces, while meeting an increasing demand for services.

She said: “It was agreed at cabinet that a business case for this particular item should be prepared for further consideration and debate before any decisions are made.

“In the interests of openness and transparency, we felt our residents should be made aware of all the options being put forward at this time."