In a letter addressed to the Chair of the Forestry Commission, Shrewsbury and Atcham MP, Daniel Kawczynski, stated that the current consultation on the car parking charges was “very disappointing news.”

The consultation – run by the Forestry Commission – asked if visitors would be willing to pay up to £3 or more to park at the site.

The popular beauty spot, which is visited by about 250,000 people each year, could see locals and tourists pay for parking by April 2013.

Mr Kawczynski’s letter went on to say that the proposed charges would prevent local people from using the hill on a regular basis, and that the hill has been used by generations of families – for free.

The letter concludes with: “Would you be kind enough to let me know if you would reconsider introducing car parking charges on Haughmond Hill.”

Members of the public have been asked to fill out questionnaires provided by the Forestry Commission by September 30.

Georgina Sharp, Forestry Commission Recreation Ranger, said: “We want to provide our visitors with the best possible facilities. However, maintaining our sites to a good standard, which includes grass cutting, litter picking, trail and car park maintenance, signage and information, need to be paid for.
All revenue raised from the new parking charges will go directly in to the ongoing maintenance and improvements at Haughmond Hill.

“Whilst this might not initially be a popular move, we hope visitors understand why we need to start charging for parking.”

It has been stated that people parking on the roadside to avoid the fees will find it “difficult” as the verges are banked.

Reporting for shropshirelive.com: Luke Powell

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