MP Opposes Controversial Parking Charges at Park

Yuan Yang, the Labour MP for Earley and Woodley, has raised concerns about a proposal to charge drivers £2.50 to park at Ashenbury Park, a green space east of Woodley popular with dog walkers, families and people exercising.

Wokingham Borough Council has begun a consultation on the charge, which sparked a rally of more than 100 people last month.

"I've had several residents write to me about the intention to turn Ashenbury Park into a Country Park. Many residents feel that the recent tarmacking has ruined the unspoiled nature of the park with wildlife potentially impacted. Residents are also concerned about the proposed charges, saying that these changes would make visiting the park unaffordable for them. One constituent told me that these costs would mean they would have to spend over £60 a month in order to continue doing their daily dog walks in Ashenbury Park."

Labour councillors have objected too. Greg Bello said: "I am opposed to car park charges at Ashenbury Park because it goes against the council's policies encouraging residents to be more active and this will put people off using the park."

Rachel Burgess added: "Last year over 2,000 people signed a resident petition against parking charges at any sites whose primary purpose is active involvement in sports or recreation." She also said: "This park is a publicly-owned asset maintained by the council, not a profit and loss account that needs to break even."

So far 1,069 people have responded to the consultation.

The council says income would help support the park's development, management and maintenance. The first 15 minutes would be free for drop-offs and collections for Waingels College and Nursery, and Blue Badge holders would park free.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter