A WIRRAL Labour MP has lashed out at the Labour-run council over its plans to launch a pay-parking blitz.

Alison McGovern, who represents Wirral South, urged the town hall to rethink - and she called on readers to make their views known in a public consultation.

The controversial proposals include introducing charges to park in Wirral’s country parks and at New Brighton.

The authority is also proposing to impose pay-and-display on more than 50 roads currently enjoying free parking - including those in shopping areas.

It will all be topped off by a by 50p hike across council-operated car parks.

Ms McGovern said: “While I understand the budget pressures the council are under I worry about the impact of these charges.

"I urge the council to think again on these proposals because if people decided not to pay the charges which I feel are unfair then this could result in cars being parked elsewhere to avoid them.

"This would cause problems for residential areas which could suffer as a result with problematic parking in their roads.

"If people were prevented from visiting New Brighton and their local country parks over these charges, then I feel this would be a great shame."

And she added: "I worry about the impact on local businesses.

"Shoppers may go to park where shopping areas provide free parking which would mean smaller independent businesses would lose out.

"I urge Wirral’s residents to share their views during the consultation process.”

Labour group transport chief Cllr Stuart Whittingham said: "The council has been absolutely clear that Wirral has to reduce its spending or raise its income by £45m next year and by £130m before 2020.

"These small increases in charging will go some way towards mitigating the impact of these cuts.

"We are consulting with residents on the proposals to change car parking tariffs.

"We are following the legal process by publicising traffic regulation orders in local newspapers, giving residents the opportunity to give us their views.

"All feedback we receive will be taken into account before any decisions are made."

You can share your views on-line during the consultation by submitting objections together with the grounds on which they are made at www.wirral.gov.uk/highways

Alternatively write to Steve Atkins, Parking Services Manager, Business Services, Cheshire Lines Building, Canning Street, Birkenhead CH41 1ND.

If you take part, quote scheme reference number SA/PS/2017.

Deadline is Friday, February 10.