A PETITION has been launched against Birmingham City Council’s plans to charge for car parking at Lickey Hills Country Park.

The council is currently consulting on its plans to introduce charges at the much-loved Country Park.

To fight the introduction of car parking charges, Bromsgrove MP Bradley Thomas has launched a petition to ensure the voices of local residents are heard.

He said: “Once again, we’re quite literally paying the price for Birmingham City Council’s mismanagement.

“Lickey Hills Country Park is loved by my constituents and the introduction of car parking charges is wrong. I fear it will deter visitors to the Lickey Hills and reduce people’s access to nature and our beautiful green spaces.

“If parking charges are introduced, inevitably visitors to the country park will avoid paying for parking by finding side roads and residential areas to park on, and residents who live in the area are right to be concerned about this.

“I would urge everyone who is opposed to the introduction of car parking charges to sign my petition.”

People can view the petition via Mr Thomas' website.

Councillor Majid Mahmood, cabinet member for environment and transport on Birmingham City Council, said: “We have some fantastic green spaces all over the city, 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.”

The consultation runs until December 6.