LANCASTER folk are being invited to a picnic at the weekend to oppose plans for a new car park.

Organised by Grassroots Lancaster, it will be held in the grounds of historic Lancaster Priory on Saturday from 1pm.

The Priory wants to create an extension to its car park by converting a grassed area in its grounds, close to the headless lady statue on Castle Hill.

But Grassroots Lancaster - which was involved in the campaign against plans for a new retail park in the city centre last year - says it has been met by 'universal condemnation' among Lancastrians.

They say opponents of the scheme who spent a few hours collecting signatures for a petition at the city's Georgian Festival were surprised at the depth of public feeling against the scheme.

The Picnic is being held to showcase the depth of opposition to the plan and to show people the area that will be affected.

"We think this is a madcap scheme that will destroy one of Lancasters best known and loved beauty spots," says Kathryn Fahy, one of the picnic organisers.

"Literally everyone weve spoken to has agreed. We simply cannot believe that our councillors gave planning permission for this destructive scheme."

The Car Park is being described as necessary to ensure disabled access to the Priory. Officials of the church are being invited to put forward their side at the picnic, where signatures for a petition against the scheme will also be collected.

Anyone concerned about the plans for a car park is also being encouraged to contact the Priory directly.

No-one was available for comment at the Priory at the time the Citizen went to press.