Paying to park splits you in two

PLANS to reintroduce parking charges at three Northumberland beauty spots met with mixed opinions.

According to a Chronicle poll, readers are split on whether they think people should pay to visit Druridge Bay, Plessey Woods and Bolam Lake country parks.

More than 500 of you responded to our online poll asking if you would be happy to cough up the cash.

And the results were close, with 55% saying you think it should be free and 45% agreeing to pay.

Northumberland County Council said it hopes the move will raise almost £1m to significantly improve facilities at the sites.

On our Facebook page, some raised concerns that the proposals would discourage people from visiting the parks.

Trevor Grant said: “Disgusting. All these charges do is prevent families from spending time there with their children and enjoying the beautiful countryside and seaside we have.”

Stewart Masson wrote: “It really is getting ridiculous these days. You can’t do anything nowadays without it costing you money.

“We pay enough with all the taxes we pay on absolutely everything and they’re still finding ways to fleece us.”

Amanda Turner agreed and said: “I don’t go abroad and I love the coast. Why would you want to spoil it and start charging people to see these amazing places?”

But other users welcomed the proposals describing the parking charges as reasonable.

Mark Green wrote: “I’d pay to help.”