PLANS to introduce parking charges at Neigh Bridge Country Park near Somerford Keynes have come under fire from visitors to the popular Water Park beauty spot.

The Cotswold Water Park Trust (CWPT), which manages the park, has decided to introduce the charges as it says it does not receive enough funding to cover maintenance costs.

From tomorrow (April 23) those wishing to park at Neigh Bridge, which is free to enter, will have to pay £1 per hour or £2 all day for parking, although members of the trust can park free.

Regular visitors to the country park believe the charges are unfair and will be difficult to enforce.

John Costello, an angler who has fished at Neigh Bridge for more than 30 years, said that it was difficult for people on limited incomes to enjoy the Cotswold Water Park as charges are imposed at almost all the facilities.

“ I think they are being a bit greedy. We have to go somewhere to fully enjoy the Cotswold Water Park,” said Mr Costello, who is a member of Ashton Keynes angling club.

“So much is not available to the general public, there should be somewhere which is fully available.”

Another park user, Nick Batstone of Oaksey, said he believed that the trust would struggle to enforce the charges and people would end up parking on the side of roads near the car park.

Sarah Powell, chairman of Somerford Keynes Parish Council, said she did not think that introducing parking charges would be much of a money spinner.

She said: “I understand the resurfacing work and maintenance of the park cost money but I do not think pay and display raises much money.”

She said she doubted that the trust could provide enough staff to police the car park and empty the machines, and added that she believed people might park in Somerford Keynes to avoid the charges, causing congestion in the village.

Matthew Millett, managing director of the trust, defended the charges.

He said the trust’s funding from Cotswold District Council had been reduced by 65 per cent in recent years, adding: “After consideration the trust has decided that the best option would be to introduce charging for parking at Neigh Bridge to help narrow the funding gap.”