Shoppers in Christchurch town centre will have to pay more to park their car from April but those preferring Highcliffe High Street are set to see a reduction.

After consulting with residents as well as Dorset Police, Christchurch Chamber of Trade and Friars Cliff Residents Association, Christchurch Borough Council has upped the charges in Christchurch to what they believe is "fair and reasonable".

Shoppers wanting to nip into Saxon Square now have to pay 35 pence for half an hour, something Cllr Julie Petrie questioned as being an awkward amount.

But the chairperson of the community services committee, Cllr Sally Derham Wilkes responded by saying people would be more upset if the charge had increased to 40 pence.

Wick Lane car park was a particular source of contention, as residents believe it is unfair they have to pay a high premium and requested an affordable parking scheme be introduced because charges had jumped from £225 in 2007/08 to £345 this year.

They protested there was little alternative parking close by and objected to members of the Chamber of Trade being able to park there without paying the 50 per cent premium.

Cllr Peter Hall backed the residents and said that it was wrong they had to pay increased charges.

But leader of the council, Cllr Alan Griffiths said residents were not being discriminated against, but that the council was just continuing the policy that was already in place.

Wortley Road car park in Highcliffe was the only place that had its charges reduced, which may mean a loss of £14,000 income for the council.

But councillors agreed they wanted to provide additional help to the traders in Highcliffe by lowering the charges at the car park.

Cllr John Lofts suggested the loss of the market place might have had an effect on trade in Highcliffe.

Cllr Griffiths said: "Highcliffe is an integral part of the borough and if we make it easy for people to shop there then they will use the shops provided. Especially if we give them more time to shop and publicise the location of the car park."

It will now cost 50p for two hours to park at the site, in comparison to £1.20 in Christchurch town centre car parks.