PARKING charges are to go up at two country parks on the Thurrock borders run by Essex County Council.

Belhus Woods and Thorndon parks are among a number of venues hit by the increase from the council.

The cost of up to two hours parking is set to go from 3.80 to £4 and up to four hours will go from £5.10 to £5.20. All day parking is to be frozen at 6.30.

Essex County Council operates parks at Belhus Woods and Thorndon as well as Cudmore Grove, Danbury, Great Notley, Hadleigh and South Weald.

Essex County Council said the proposed fees for 2024/25 have been prepared with an aim of generating additional income to contain inflationary pressures across the country parks service.

The increases are expected to generate an additional £60,000 for the country parks service across the county.

A spokesperson for Essex County Council said: "While hourly parking charges at the Essex Country Parks have increased to help offset high inflation, day parking charges have stayed the same to encourage longer stays.