CAR parking charges in Christchurch look likely to increase as councillors hunt for ways of mitigating a £400,000 shortfall in next year's budget.

Members of the council's community services committee this week agreed to carry out consultations on the increased charges and asked for a report to go before their January meeting.

The increases are being proposed at a time when an independent report on parking commissioned by the council suggests great care is needed when considering price rises that could dissuade shoppers from using the town.

With that in mind, the ruling Conservative group on the council proposed keeping the two-hour price of parking in shopping car parks to £1, 20p less than the officer's recommendation, to attract more customers.

If approved in January, that would apply to Saxon Square, Bypass, Pit Site, Wick Lane, Bridge Street and Bank Close car parks, but not at the Leisure Centre, Willow Way and Purewell Dairy where up to two hours will cost £1.20.

Elsewhere increases will range from 10p for an hour to an extra £2 for 24 hours at Mudeford Quay taking the maximum payable there to £12 during the summer season. Permit charges will also rise.

The proposals were not accepted without a fight from the Liberal Democrats.

Cllr Peter Hall said: "I do feel that we have reached the limit on charges and I do feel that we should listen to the chamber of trade."

Conservative Mike Duckworth said his initial reaction was that the increases were regrettable and unwelcome because traders are feeling the financial pinch, but had changed his mind after hearing of the council's predicted budgetary problems.

The committee unanimously agreed there should be free parking in the town centre in the run-up to Christmas.

First published: November 9, 2005