A GROUP of angry elderly swimmers have vowed to fight Wyre Forest District Council's decision to introduce new parking charges at Stourport Sports Centre.

The pay and display system for the parking area at the rear of the facility - implemented on September 5 -has incensed the protesters.

They claim the council's action gives out a mixed message because it penalises people who want to keep fit and healthy.

It now costs 70p to park on the site for up to two hours, £1.40 for up to three hours and £3 for more than three hours.

To add insult to injury parking fees are being raised on Saturday to 80p, £1.50 and £3.20.

Terry Howe, 59, who has used the centre for more than 25 years, said: "In all the time I have been coming here I have never had to pay parking fees. We are constantly being encouraged to keep fit but then something like this just contradicts that.

"The parking costs do not sound that much but, when you add them up over a year, it is a lot of money."

A petition calling for the charges to be abolished has received support from more than 200 people who use the centre.

Protesters plan to hand it in to the council and have also taken their fight to Wyre Forest's MP, Dr Richard Taylor.

Stourport resident, Irene Wainwright, 62, said the extra cost could mean her having to stop using the facilities.

She added: "Most of the people who come to the early bird swimming sessions are on fixed incomes. This is just another additional charge. We all pay our council tax so I don't think it is fair to ask us to pay to park.

"It is a real shame because it not only helps us keep fit but it is also a good way to socialise."

Andrew Dickens, the council's head of cultural, leisure and commercial services, said: "The sports centre has always been part of a pay and display system of parking. In the past people would park on the area at the back of the centre to avoid having to pay.

"The council does sell passes for pensioners that offers discounted parking on all car parks, including the sports centre, around Wyre Forest."