ORGANISERS of a popular running event want to talk to Worcestershire County Council about the possibility of parking charges being introduced as an outdoor park.

The council revealed this week that it is considering bringing in charges at Worcester Woods Country Park on the edge of the city.

The park, close to County Hall, is a popular destination for families, dog-walkers, ramblers and nature lovers.

It is also the venue for the Worcester Parkrun, a five-kilometre event held every Saturday for runners of all abilities.

Yesterday, Richard Ralphs, event director for the Parkrun said: "The county and city councils have been excellent supporters of the free to enter Parkrun, both at the woods and now at Pitchcroft, for over six years at the woods. Whilst we do give time back to the park to make it better, and deliver the Parkrun for free, we rely on their continued support.

"A while ago we were given an assurance from the council that we would be allowed to continue to use the park for free, we are unsure how this would be affected by a parking charge, hence the need to talk."

The proposal has also raised concerns among commenters on the Worcester News Facebook page.

Penny Jane said: "With the country dealing with obesity and health problems, it would be yet again penalising the poor who want to keep fit without joining a gym.

"Every time I have been there the place has been busy with mothers and their young children and elderly people taking a stroll. I've also seen groups of young disabled people that go their regularly. These are the people who will be affected. Surely there is a better solution."

Donna Rushton said: "I use the woods a lot for running and always call in to the cafe afterwards for a well-earned coffee. I will need to minimise this use if charges are introduced."

Helen Waldron said: "Everyone will just park over the road where the new pub has been built and then attempt to cross the busy highway. This isn't progression, it's just taking away everything the public enjoy for free."

The county council has admitted that the possibility is being considered as part of a review of income generation opportunities, but says the review is at a very early stage.