RESIDENTS have slammed a plan to introduce parking charges at Lickey Hills Country Park.

A consultation has recently been launched over plans to charge for parking at the country park near Bromsgrove. 

But many are not happy that Birmingham City Council, which manages Lickey Hills Country Park, are planning on introducing fees. Many have taken to Facebook to share their concerns.

Rubery resident Esther Gray believes it will be a barrier to people accessing the country park. She's encouraged people to fill in the council's survey.

She said: "I'm not happy about it and neither are a lot of the residents of Rubery.

"We have already told them once before we don't like it - back off.

"I think there's a great deal of consternation".

Grace Mildner said: "I am really worried about this. We live on a road right by the visitors centre and parking is already very hard.

"I am worried people will try and park on surrounding roads to avoid the charge which will have a huge impact on residents.

"I have two very children and will be stuck if I can't park".

Joe Smith said: "The Lickey Hills was gifted to the people of Birmingham, it's not the council's to charge for".

Anne Hillman-Churcher said: "Sad to see proposed plans to charge for visiting one of Birmingham’s parks.

"Very short sighted, when we need people to visit more.

"Time spent out of doors is good for people’s wellbeing".

The informal consultation process officially started on Friday (November 15) and will run until Friday (December 6). 

The separate questionnaires can be found via the city council's Be Heard pages for each of the parks. 

The questionnaire for Lickey Hills Country Park can be found at www.birminghambeheard.org.uk.

Councillor Majid Mahmood, cabinet member for environment and transport at Birmingham City Council, said: "We have some fantastic green spaces including major parks with great facilities, but we need to be able to maintain them for the benefit of everyone. 

"So we want to hear from people who use the parks whether for walking, cycling, walking the dog, exercising or just catching up with friends. 

"Our green spaces are vital parts of communities as well as being popular for visitors from further afield, so please let us know your thoughts. We would like to know your views on what you think are appropriate charges and when you should be charged."