VISITORS to Wyre could be charged around the clock for parking if plans for an updated review are passed at a council meeting this week.

Wyre Borough councillors are meeting today (Thursday, August 30) to discuss whether the council should look at introducing charging to all the borough's car parks.

Members of the best-value scrutiny sub-committee will decide whether the council's best-value review should be revised to include looking at round-the-clock and Sunday car park charging, and introducing charging at car parks which are currently free.

But some committee members are worried that if the council officers' recommendation to include car park charging in the best-value review is approved, it could be the first step along the road to charges at all Wyre Borough's car parks.

Best value scrutiny sub-committee member, Conservative Coun James Hargreaves, said: "I'm very perturbed because I believe that in my area a leaflet has gone out from the Labour Party saying that we plan to increase car parking charges. I think it's outrageous that they can come out with these statements before anything has even been decided.

"It will come before us and we will have to decide whether this is the best approach for reviewing the item. If any recommendations come out of our discussions, they will be referred to the planning and transportation or a policy committee." He added: "I am dead against increasing car parking charges. I was dead against them being introduced in the first place."

Labour councillor and fellow committee member Vincent Riley confirmed a leaflet had been prepared for delivery in the Poulton area warning of increased car parking charges.

But he said the committee would probably approve looking at car parking charges, which he said could lead to the disappearance of free car parks.

"I would think if they are going to do it, it will be introduced next April or May at the beginning of the next financial year," he added.