The cost of parking a car in a Sedgemoor owned carpark in Highbridge and Burnham are set to rocket this year with a possible 10 percent increase in charges.

Sedgemoor want to hoist the price to cover a shortfall in income by £90,000. The plans for increases were put to the town council by the district council and they offered three options for the councillors to respond to.

The Clerk Mrs Denise Emery said they were to increase the range of car parking by 10 percent across the board; to align all parking across the area at £5; or to start charging for Blue Badge owners and motorcycles, and to introduce car parking at £2 a go at Apex Park.

Cllr Peter Burridge-Clayton said: “After a quick look at the three options I think the 10 percent increase would have less impact on residents. I would not want charges in Apex Park as it is a leisure facility and is out of the town.”

Cllr Miss Louise Parkin said: “I certainly wouldn’t want Highbridge parking to be on a parallel with the Pier Street car park. We have enough problems in Highbridge with parking especially late at night.”

She said at the private meeting with the Chamber of Trade it was muted that there should be a one hour free parking at Pier Street car park for quick shoppers to pop into the shops. If Sedgemoor charged Blue Badge holders to park they should get an additional hour free as it takes time for them to get in and out of their vehicles.

The councillors agreed to recommend the 10 percent increase rather than the other options to Sedgemoor.

Should bikers and disabled drivers be charged to park up in Burnham? Your views to harry.mottram@nqsw.co.uk