WIRRAL Council is NOT to impose a £20 charge for residents' parking schemes in Birkenhead and Wallasey.

The proposal provoked an outcry from residents in the area, who lobbied the Council and organised petitions against the move.

Councillors say that the plan came about due to the high cost of creating and maintaining the schemes, currently in place, for streets around Tranmere Rovers FC and in Liscard.

Chair of Highways on Wirral Borough Council, Coun Harry Smith, said: "As part of the consultation process, I have met a number of representatives of the community. I have received various letters and read and listened to people's comments via the media.

"As a consequence of the meetings, and the other views expressed, I have come to the conclusion that it would not be proper to introduce charges for Resident Parking Schemes.

"I have spoken to the leader of the Council and other Labour members of the Highways Committee, and they have agreed that no charges should be introduced and the issue will not be considered again for the foreseeable future."

Conservative Councillor Mrs Chris Kevan praised local residents for forcing the Council to drop the plans.

She said: "It is only due to the weight of public opinion, to charge people £20 to park near to their homes, that has stopped Labour from introducing these charges."

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