PARKING charges are set to be introduced at a Colchester park despite residents’ concerns.

Residents had hoped to lobby Colchester Council not to implement the fees at Gosbecks Archaeological Park, off Maldon Road.

They said people who use the green space to either go for walks or walk their dogs would start to park for free in nearby residential streets rather than pay for parking.

But Pauline Hazell, Conservative borough councillor for Shrub End, has now admitted defeat after a council spokeswoman confirmed walkers would have to pay a “modest cost” to park there from April 1. No exact cost has been given.

Mrs Hazell said: “It sounds like they have made up their mind, which is frustrating for the residents.”

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