A MEETING of Thurrock's senior ruling councillors this week will focus on plans to introduce parking charges at a number of recreational sites across the borough.

And the spotlight will be on Conservative councillors who make up the authority's cabinet who are seeking to bail out the cash-strapped council with a number of unpopular measures, including the car park changes.

Their decision, #on a plan first introduced amid controversy last year, #is all the more contentious following a commitment last week from Thurrock Council's director of public realm that a halt would be called for at least 12 weeks and more residents and sports clubs consulted on the proposals.

Nevertheless, despite the words from council director Julie Rogers, councillors at last week's planning, transport and regeneration overview and scrutiny committee voted to recommend the introduction of parking charges at borough sports and recreation car parks.

Mrs Rogers, the director responsible for the proposal, told members that the concerns raised about introduction of parking charges at places like South Ockendon Recreation ground, Coalhouse Fort and Langdon Hills Country Park had identified the need for further consultation.

She told members that further consultation would take place which would take up to three months.

However, the baton will now be picked up on Wednesday (9 February) by the cabinet who could choose to implement the charges in April regardless of any consultation.

The main reason given for the charges is to help meet the council's balanced budget - which has to be in place in a matter of a few weeks.

Wednesday's meeting will hear objections to the scheme from many organisations and individuals across the borough, including Belhus Cricket Club, which today (Monday, 7 February) made a direct appeal to the council leader, Cllr Rob Gledhill, not to move ahead with the charges plan.

See: Club express anger over charges plan.