SHOPPERS and motorists reacted angrily after it was revealed South Ribble, the only area in Lancashire to offer free parking, is considering introducing charges.

The borough's councillors have launched a major consultation into parking management and the council's car parking steering group plans to consult shoppers, residents and businesses before a decision is made next year.

Council chiefs hope the scheme will help fund improvements to the borough's 26 car parks as well as managing parking on nearby streets. Steering group members claim it is fair for car park users to meet the cost rather than paying for improvements with Council Tax funds.

But users of the Churchill Way/Hough Lane car park, Leyland, fear charges could 'kill' local shopping areas.

Evelyn Morgan, 50, of Lindsay Avenue, Leyland, said: "It's outrageous.

"People come into Leyland to shop because parking is free but if the council charges for parking, we may as well go to Preston or Chorley where there's more shops and parking spaces available.

"I've always shopped locally to make sure these businesses stay open but having to pay for parking will just kill them off."

A local company will shortly be chosen to carry out face-to-face interviews with locals to look at how people use parking spaces in the busiest shopping areas including Leyland, Lostock Hall, Penwortham and Bamber Bridge.

Businessman Paul Hill, 47, said: "This car park is so handy and you have to be lucky to get a spot but if they start charging I'm sure people will go elsewhere."

But steering group member, Councillor Michael Green, has reservations about the charges.

"We should be encouraging shoppers to come to their local shops. I don't want to see parking charges being a disincentive.

"If users are going to be charged then I would hope we could keep the cost to the bare minimum.

"It is also important that people can actually see improvements being made such as better security."