Plans to introduce charging in council car parks which are currently free would badly affect Tendring's tourism, it has been claimed.

Harwich Town Council last night said introducing charges would be a 'tax on tourism.'

Tendring Council is considering charges at some of its car parks but there are fears the move would affect visitors and drive motorists to park in the street.

At last night's meeting, Garry Calver said: "I think this should be opposed at every opportunity. I don't see any benefit for Harwich and Dovercourt."

Before the meeting, Betty Holloway, secretary of the Dovercourt Beach Hut Owners' and Sea Front Users' Association, said the idea was tried before at the town's swimming pool and resulted in cars parking in the street.

She said she would write to council leader Terry Allen about it, and also to consider a permit for beach hut owners.

Mr Allen said some car parks were used by workers who parked there all day for free. The changes would enable the council to have more control.

He stressed that no decision had been made yet.

Published Wednesday, March 13, 2002