CHARGES are set to be levied in three of Totton’s busiest car parks unless two local authorities can hammer out a deal.

The district council is forging ahead with plans to install pay-anddisplay meters in the town centre following a review of car parking across the Forest.

But Totton and Eling Town Council says the scheme could prove a disaster for traders facing stiff competition from rival stores in neighbouring Southampton.

Now the district council has offered to waive the proposed new fees – but only if Totton compensates it for the loss of extra income.

Town councillors are pledging £27,000 a year, which they hope will save some of the free parking.

Charges were reintroduced in the Forest in 2004 but some sites remained free to help traders and other sections of the community.

However, the district council has been hit by a sharp rise in the cost of operating car parks.

The review examined nine free parks including four in Totton.

A district council report said no charges should be levied in the Eling Cemetery car park, which is used by families attending funerals.

It added that five parking areas in Ashurst, Bransgore, Dibden Purlieu and Hordle should also remain free.

But councillors agreed that charges should be levied in the civic centre car park in Totton, plus the ones in Westfield Road and Rumbridge Street, unless a compensation package can be worked out.

Councillor David Harrison, who represents Totton South, accused the district council of trying to claw back money it had wasted.

He added: “I always knew that the plea to treat Totton as a special case would fall on deaf ears.

“It must be obvious that Totton traders are faced with unique challenges, having to compete with nearby Southampton.”

Town clerk Derek Biggs said the proposed compensation deal would be funded from savings and would not involve any increase in tax.

Mr Biggs stressed that all the Totton car parks owned by the town council would remain free.