COUNCILLORS have backed a new car parking scheme in Whitehaven - but only when parking on nearby roads is prevented.

Land at The Ginns – where dozens of Albion Square workers are said to park for free – will be converted into a 74 space pay-and-display car park. 

Copeland Borough Council was granted planning permission for the site in December and has now received consent from Cumbria County Council. 

However, county councillors insist waiting restrictions are introduced on Bentinck Row, Ellisons Place, Pottery Lane and parts of Coach Road to deal with any parking migration. 

It is estimated that ensuring this, and adding the appropriate road markings and signs will require £4,000. 

Copeland council has agreed to cover the cost.

Speaking at the meeting, Councillor Tim Knowles said: "It makes a lot of sense to provide off street parking." 

While Councillor Henry Wormstrup said he was happy with the committee report and supported the decision. 

Included in the 74 spaces are eight residents-only bays, which will be created outside the car park boundary for residents of Bentinck Row and Ellisons Place, who have always been able to park there for free and four disabled bays. 

The charges will be £1.50 for up to one hour, £2.10 for two hours, £2.70 for three hours and £3.70 for four hours. Any stay over four hours will cost £4.80 and monthly permits will be available for £80.00. A four day ticket will cost £20.00. Other permits include quarterly at £220.00, half quarterly at £410.00 and an annual pass for £780.00. 

It will be free for all to park there between 8pm and 8am and at weekends, when it is heavily used by supporters of Whitehaven RLFC who walk to the Recreation Ground on match days.