Petition to keep free parking at beauty spot

Thousands of people have signed a petition calling for parking at a city park to remain free of charge.

Worcestershire County Council is planning to introduce charges at Worcester Woods Country Park and other beauty spots around the county.

An online petition calling for it to remain free has gained more than 5,300 signatures. It was first launched when the council last tried to implement parking charges at the site in 2018.

The council - now run by Reform UK as a minority administration - said like other local authorities it was under considerable financial pressures and it needed to explore ways of both making savings and increasing its income.

Labour councillor Richard Udall, who started the petition, has also written to council leader Jo Monk formally asking her to withdraw the proposal.

He said Worcester Woods could generate more revenue by hosting events such as weddings, farmers' markets, craft fairs, concerts and car boot sales.

"I believe this would enable the county council to raise much needed funds without charging for parking," said Udall.

A commenter on the petition said: "I regularly enjoy walking in the woods with my two young boys and our dog.

"It would be a shame for that to be taken away from us.

"Worcester Woods has always been a free option to enjoy when the boys are not at school.

"They enjoy the park and visiting the pond, collecting woodland treasures. It's a hub for the local community."

Campaign group Bike Worcester said free car parking incentivises car use and that a number of lower income households did not have access to a car.

Council finance chief Rob Wharton said: "The council's budget, along with most other county councils, continues to face significant financial pressures.

"The council's budget is essentially fixed in cash terms and its ability to raise income is limited, which means every opportunity for savings and income must be explored."

If agreed, the plans will form part of the draft 2026-27 budget to be agreed at full council at the end of February, he said.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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