THE introduction of parking fees at High Woods Country Park in Colchester has contributed to a slump in visitors. Figures show visitor numbers fell by 7,280 in the three months from April, compared to the same period in 2011 Spending at the visitor centre, which sells food, drink and gifts, dropped by £4,520.

However, Colchester Council made £5,079 by introducing parking fees.

The charges, which took effect in April, are designed to raise revenue and stop staff and patients at nearby Colchester General Hospital parking at High Woods Sue Lissimore, Tory opposition spokesman, said she was worried by the figures. She said: “Three months is too short a period to say it is turning hundreds of people away.

“But it was a policy we didn’t agree with because it is against the council’s plan to make the borough healthier and happier.’’ She added: “We ought to be making places like High Woods as accessible to as many people as possible.

“This is a cash cow that the administration wanted to bring in to earn more money.” In 2011, 16,678 people used the visitor centre, compared with 9,398 for the same three months this year. Spending at the visitor centre totalled £13,325, compared with £8,805 for the same period this year.

Parking income between April and June totalled £5,079.

A council report said the 2011 figures were particularly high because of good weather and the opening of a play area at the park.

Between April and June 2010, there were 8,338 visitors and £7,121 in income, lower than 2011 and 2012.

A council spokesman said: “The same period for this year, however, has seen very bad weather. When compared to the same period in 2010 figures, this quarter’s are up and we are pleased this income is currently in line with our budget projections.”

The money raised will be invested in the park.

The parking fees are 50p for up to two hours on weekdays, £2 for between two and four hours, £4 for more than four hours.

Weekends and bank holidays are 50p for up to two hours and £2 for more than two hours.

A short-stay, £50 season ticket is available.