Ill-advised': Campaigners launch fight against West Northamptonshire Council over proposed introduction of parking charges at beauty spots in Northampton as nearly 2,000 sign petition
A petition calling on West Northamptonshire Council to reconsider 'ill-advised' parking charges being brought in for more country parks in the area has reached more than 1,900 signatures.
The action follows the proposed introduction of parking charges at the Hunsbury Hill Country Park, West Hunsbury Country Park (also known as Ladybridge Park) and as well as other beauty spots around the town.
A Notice of Intention posted at the park under the Road Traffic Regulation Act has warned that WNC’s off-street parking places are being consolidated under a new Traffic Regulation Order. The Draft Order states that any parking in the above country parks would be subject to new hourly fees for visitors.
This starts at £2 for one hour and then charges £1 per hour after that, peaking at an £8 ‘all day’ ticket. Blue Badge holders would also be required to pay the applicable parking charges and display their badge when parking in disabled bays under the new rules.
Sarah Barker, who started the petition against the new charges on Friday April 24, wrote: “These parks are more than just green spaces; they are vital community hubs used by people from all over, not just those in the local vicinity. Now, the West Northants Council is proposing to impose parking charges, an action that threatens not only our access to these beloved parks, but the local economy as well.
“At a time when we are all feeling financial strain, imposing additional costs discourages families and individuals from enjoying outdoor activities. Being outdoors is crucial for our physical and mental well-being, providing an escape into nature, encouraging exercise, and promoting community interaction.
“It is essential that we stand up against these charges. We already contribute to the maintenance of our community through council taxes, in addition to the often-overlooked stealth tax for garden waste bins. These proposed charges feel like another burden—an unfair attempt by the council to profit at the expense of our wellbeing and community spirit.
“West Northants should be nurturing our community, not driving people away and making accessibility difficult. We need to protect our parks and do what is best for our community’s health and the local economy.”
In a video posted on social media addressing the proposed parking charges, Cllr Pinder Chauhan (Hunsbury, Conservative) added: “I was very very surprised to hear from my residents that the council will be charging residents to use the country parks in our areas. We’ve never ever charged residents to use the park.
“We now have a new administration in charge who have decided not only to put these charges in but also not to inform the parish council or inform myself as ward councillor
“At a time when people are struggling to pay bills, we cannot be charging them to pay for the open spaces to use our park facilities.”
She also said she had written to the council leader and officers to raise questions, but emphasised that it was not “a done deal” and the decision must still be made by cabinet.
Parking charges are already in place at Brixworth and Daventry country parks. A season ticket for regular users of country parks in West Northants will cost £70 per year for a single park or £95 per year for all five parks.
The petition adds: “Join us in urging the West Northants Council to reconsider these ill-advised parking charges.”
A consultation is now open regarding the proposed parking changes in the Hunsbury Parks. It will close on May 14, 2026.
Residents making representations or objections can email their feedback to [email protected], or send it in writing to “the Traffic Orders Section, Kier Highways, Brixworth Depot, Old Harborough Road, Brixworth, NN6 9BX” to feed into the council’s consideration.
West Northamptonshire Council has been contacted for comment.