Country park parking charge plan concerns

Chorley Council said no final decisions have been made about car park charges

Plans to introduce parking charges at a Lancashire beauty spot could increase congestion in the area and be "devastating" for a nearby garden centre, staff at the business have warned.

Chorley Council is considering its car parking options for Yarrow Valley Country Park, which lies only a five-minute walk away from Birkacre Garden Centre.

Were the country park to bring in parking charges, Birkacre's managing director Steve Ainscough believes many visitors would use his company's free car park and the road outside, something which he said would create "a hazard".

Chorley Council said no final decisions had been made and urged residents and businesses to respond to ongoing consultation.

Steven Ainscough is worried about the effect on his garden centre of parking charges being introduced at a nearby country park

Mr Ainscough told BBC Radio Lancashire: "When it is busy we have overflow parking on the road.

"This will add to that congestion on the road. Also it will also push our customers on the road or they will decide not to come at all."

Put simply, he said: "Everyone is going to be cheesed off.

"It is going to be a hazard... and the potential impact on us could be devastating."

Gayle Wootton, director of planning and property at Chorley Council, said the local authority understood that any proposed changes to parking rules can raise concerns, particularly when charges may be introduced.

She added: "The proposals currently under consultation aim to manage parking more effectively across the borough, support long-stay parking needs, and ensure spaces are available for those who need them the most.

"No final decisions have been made, and we strongly encourage residents and businesses to take part in the consultation and share their views.

"All feedback will be considered before changes are introduced."

Birkacre Garden Centre owner Steven Ainscough says the potential impact on the business could be devastating