VISITORS to Upton Country Park will have to pay to park at the popular attraction from spring next year.

Plans to introduce car parking charges at the park were given the go-ahead by Poole council's cabinet earlier this year.

But on Thursday (Nov24) the scheme was officially approved by the portfolio holder for transportation Cllr Drew Mellor - giving it the green light to be implemented.

This means that from spring 2017, visitors to Upton Country Park will be charged between 50p and £3 during the winter season and 80p to £4 in the summer season. Visitors will also be able to buy an annual permit costing £40.

Blue Badge holders will be subject to the parking charges as well.

During the second stage of consultation on the scheme the council received 18 letters and emails of objection, including a petition signed by 29 members of the Hamworthy Morning Townswomen's Guild and a letter from the secretary of the Poole University of the Third Age.

The objectors said that the charges would cause "difficulties for some users and discourage others".

They also said that visitors would be inclined to use the facilities less than they currently do, and to spend less in the kiosks and tea rooms.

The council received one letter of support for the proposals, but this asked that consideration is given to a lower parking charge.

In a report to Cllr Mellor about the scheme it was recommended that he approve the parking charges despite the objections.

It claimed that the objections were similar to those made when it went before the cabinet earlier this year - and they were dismissed at the time.

Speaking previously Cllr Sandra Moore had urged the council to reject the proposals on behalf of The Friends of Upton Country Park.

She said: “By introducing these charges it will displace car parking to other roads nearby causing car parking problems in the area.

“The consultation responses showed that 50 per cent of park users would visit the park less often if these charges were implemented.

“Please allow residents to freely enjoy this beautiful park.”

However Cllr John Rampton, cabinet member for environmental and consumer protection services, said implementing car parking charges would be a positive thing for the park.

“Car parking charges will be one of the tools they need to become a self-sustaining park.

“We need to do this for the future of Upton Country Park.”