TWO Wirral Labour MPs are urging the council to think again over plans to introduce car parking charges across the borough.

Margaret Greenwood and Alison McGovern have are concerned about the introduction of a £4-a-day charge at country parks and the price hike of 50p in existing council run car parks.

Globe readers have also shown their anger at plans for pay-and-display to be introduced on more than 50 roads - which are currently free to park – including shopping areas such as Heswall and Leasowe.

Ms Greenwood (Wirral West) said: “Our country parks and beaches are really important to the health and well-being of all of those who use them.

“Introducing car parking charges will create a barrier to access for many people and I'm very concerned that some will simply stop using them altogether.

"The council’s own research also suggests there could be a drop of 20 per cent in the number of visitors to Wirral high streets - which could severely damage many small businesses.

“There could also be issues in some of the side streets as frustrated drivers look to park there, creating problems for those who live nearby. This could really damage the quality of life of many residents and businesses."

She added: “The Tory government has made huge cuts to the budget of Wirral Council, which is having to find £45m worth of savings this year. It is quite right that the council is consulting widely on this issue and I hope that everyone who is concerned will take up the opportunity to make their views heard.

“At a time when we are encouraging people to take part in outdoor activities, get some fresh air and meet up with other people we should be making sure that people can access the parks they love.”

Ms McGovern told the Globe: “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. 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.”

To take part in the consultation, go to www.wirral.gov.uk/highways or 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.