FOREST of Dean Council has started a consultation on parking charges but it is not an opportunity to have the controversial scheme shelved.

The four-week consultation is about the level of charges, not about whether the parking fees should be introduced.

A spokeswoman for the council said: "The statutory consultation is about the proposed car parking order which is the legal requirement for making changes to the parking restrictions in the car parks.

"It covers things including the times of restrictions and prices of tickets and permits."

Charges are planned in 10 car parks from July 1: Heywood Road, Cinderford; Newland Street, Railway Drive and Bank Street, Coleford; Bream Road, Newerne Street and its overflow, Lydney, Mitcheldean High Street, Lewell Street (High Street), Newent and Redbrook Riverside.

The proposed charges range from 40p for up to an hour to £2 for more than four hours.

The council says charges will make it easier for people using shops and local facilities to park and that those who use the car parks will make a contribution to the £163,000 a year car parks cost to run.

The proposals can be seen on the council website at http://www.fdean.gov.uk/go/parking">www.fdean.gov.uk/go/parking at the council offices in Coleford or in local libraries.

Responses can be made by emailing [email protected]">[email protected] or by writing to Group Manager – Legal, Democratic and HR, Forest of Dean Council, Coleford GL16 8HG by Thursday, February 25.