TWO parish councils have spoken of their 'disappointment' that South Hams Council is considering introducing parking charges in Beesands, Aveton Gifford and South Brent car parks.

A spokesman for South Hams Council said: 'The Council is considering the possibility as part of its 2012/2013 budget process. Currently, parking in these car parks is free.

'A decision on this issue will be debated thoroughly during the budget process with a final decision being made in February.'

John Coates, chairman of Aveton Gifford Parish Council said: 'Aveton Gifford has very special problems related to the parking of vehicles whether they belong to residents or visitors.

'The village grew when there was no thought or knowledge of the combustion engine and motorised personal transport.

'Many properties in the core village have no space for parking.

'There is pressure on parking now – the introduction of charges will create a bigger set of problems.

'The A379 by-pass was completed in the late 1980s and used some of the amenity land around the access to the Avon Estuary.

'The village lost a boat park and a parking area and there was an understanding that, in the creation of Timbers Car Park, there would never be a charge made for parking.'

Mr Coates said he understands why South Hams are searching for 'every penny of income that they can get'.

But, he points out: 'The effect of charges would impact on the village in a number of ways.

'Local residents will seek out every corner and grassy bank to abandon rather than park their vehicle.

'Our micro-economy, which benefits from welcoming bird watchers, canoeists, ramblers and dog walkers, is bound to suffer from either the deterrent of parking charges, or from taking money that would otherwise be spent in the pub or village shop.

'The Localism Act which empowers parish councils in a wide range of ways may be used to resist any charging that could be introduced.

Gill Claydon, clerk of Stokenham Parish Council said: 'Beesands is a special area that, at present, has no parking charges and therefore surrounding local people go there daily to walk their dogs and take the family on the beach.

'Anyone visiting Beesands will know that 90 per cent of the year it is an area that only local people inhabit.

'Therefore, in this low economy, when many are finding it hard to find work and make ends meet, this could encourage people to park inconsiderately and create hazards.

'Does this mean that yellow lines will then be requ-ested outside people's properties spoiling the simple rural view?

'Parking charges in this area would basically tax the local people and probably not bring in sufficient revenue during the holiday season to balance the cost.'

South Brent Parish Council is due to discuss the proposals at their next meeting on Monday.