A DECISION on car parking charges in Burnley town centre is expected to be made by councillors tonight with increases of up to 50 per cent proposed.

Concerns at the proposed big jump in parking charges on council-owned sites has been expressed by local traders and some councillors.

Two weeks ago a decision was deferred after concern was expressed that shoppers could go elsewhere. Officers were asked to look into the cost of providing free parking on Saturdays after 3pm in line with Blackburn.

A report to tonight's meeting of Burnley Executive says that could cost Burnley £15,000.

David Wood, head of engineering and highways services, will tell the meeting: "Based on the present numbers of tickets issued after 3pm on Saturdays I would estimate that between 10-13 per cent of the day's takings would be lost.

"A further allowance would also need to be made in respect of some tickets issued earlier in the day. Drivers arriving after 2pm would only need to purchase a one-hour ticket when previously they may have paid for a longer period."

The estimated net increase in income for the next financial year was £26,000, or £11,000 in a Saturday afternoon concession was to be offered.

The new charges if approved will be brought in from April, 2002.