ALMOST 7,000 people have signed a petition against introducing parking charges in Stubbington and Portchester.

Fareham Borough Council is considering bringing in the new charges, in places where parking has always been free.

Traders say it will hit local businesses but council leaders have argued that increased fees and charges mean that council tax can be kept low.

Fareham Borough Council has held a consultation on parking charges and will publish a new “parking strategy”

in the summer.