Anger at plans to bring in new charges for people using West Midlands beauty spots

Worcestershire County Council is planning to introduce car park charges at beauty spots including the countryside centre.

It says the move could bring in £90,000 over the next financial year and is among several proposals being put forward as the council looks to bridge a £72 million funding gap.

But residents and visitors have reacted negatively to the proposed change.

Jo Rammell said: “I think it’s a poorly thought out decision by the council. It should remain free for all.

“One minute they are telling us the benefits of being outside in the fresh air then attempting to prevent that benefit.”

Louise Williams Winnall said: “200 children benefit weekly from attending a scouting group [at Worcester Woods]. It would be awful if some of those start to miss out because of car park charges.”

Louise Jenkins said: “What needs to happen is stopping parking for people who aren’t using the countryside centre.

“Even in the middle of winter when there is absolutely no one using the park, woods and play grounds, the car park is chocker. All it will do is force families to park on local streets and in Warndon Villages, to then walk over.”

Gillian Waidson said: “I regularly take my dog there but if I have to pay to park I will go somewhere else. It’s the cafe I feel sorry for.”

Former county councillor Emma Marshall said: “The council should consider the impact charging will have on nearby residential streets when people start parking there in order to avoid the fee.

“I understand the want to bring in revenue under the current financial climate but every action has an equal and opposite reaction. You always must consider the negative repercussions this will have.”

Darren Mansell said: “I’m kind of in the middle. As long as it’s reasonably priced (less than a pound for a couple of hours) and the meters work, are easy to use etc, then it’s not too much bother.

“The money has to be ringfenced for improvement and upkeep of the areas though, it shouldn’t just be a backfill for other funding gaps.”

Council finance chief Rob Wharton said: “The council’s budget, along with most other county councils, continues to face significant financial pressures through relentless demand and cost increases in both children’s and adult social care, all of which has been reported many times.

“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.

“As part of the cabinet paper, a wide range of proposed savings options were included for cabinet to recommend going forward to full council to approve on January 15.

“If agreed, these plans will form part of the draft 2026/27 budget to be agreed at full council at the end of February. Some of these proposals will need further detailed work ahead of any action taking place.”