COUNCIL bosses are set to consider a letter of objection to introduce pay and display parking into Darwen.

The decision to bring in charges to car parks in Railway Road and Atlas Road was made by Cllr Phil Riley and Cllr Jim Smith, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s executive members for regeneration and environment respectively.

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In their report they said the sites were predominantly used by commuters and were normally full by 8.30am.

Tomorrow the council’s planning and highways committee will discuss an objection from a staff member at nearby business Minerva Crafts.

The letter said: “Minerva Crafts only has a small car park. This is for customers only and not for the workforce. Therefore at least seven members of staff use the Atlas Road car park.

“It will be a big expense out of our wage if charges are to be applied.”

The staff member also asked if permits could be issued.

The recommendation from council officers is that the committee overrule the objection and the charges be brought in.

A council spokesman said: “While the council has sympathy with workers who will lose the benefit of free parking while at work is it not its duty to provide this.

“There are other car parks which provide free parking.”