Pensioner group fears closure over parking charges

Phillip and Christine Semeniuk are worried people can't afford new parking charges

A charity which hosts pensioners twice a week is worried it could close after parking charges are brought in at the car park next door.

The South Ribble Pensioners Association meet in the former ticket office building at Bamber Bridge station.

The Northern car park at Bamber Bridge railway station is currently free, but the train operator will soon start to charge £2 a day.

Northern said it was introducing charges to make sure facilities were available for rail users only.

'Lifeline'

The same charge will apply at Burnley Central, Colne and Layton railway stations from 28 May.

Husband and wife Phillip and Christine Semeniuk told BBC Radio Lancashire they

were concerned the charges would be too high for some members.

Ms Semeniuk said: "If people don't come it'll close down.

"If there's only four of you or something like that it's going to close down.

"People aren't going to pay it."

The sign at Bamber Bridge station advising people of the charges

Mr Semeniuk said: "For some people it's the only lifeline they have here.

"All it will do is just empty the car park and people won't come, or they'll think twice of coming.

Northern have introduced parking charges at other locations in Lancashire recently.

A spokesperson for the rail firm said: "We always endeavour to speak to local stakeholders and user groups about the proposals before introducing the charges."