A HIKE in the cost of staff parking at Burnley Town Hall would amount to only a 10p-a-day rise, Conservative David Hegginbottom told councillors.

Supporting the 30 per cent rise -- in line with increases in public charges -- he said the cost would not be a great burden on any car owner.

"It is the first increase in five years and is in line with parking charges in the town," Coun Hegginbottom added.

But his move was overwhelmingly rejected by members of the resources committee, who voted instead for an eight per cent increase on the present £90-a-year charge -- in line with this year's public parking rises.

Coun Stephen Wolski said a 30 per cent hike was unacceptable for people who had received only a three per cent wage rise.

And Labour leader Stuart Caddy said staff were paying out to come to work and, in the present day and age, employers should be looking to providing free parking for employees.

"I resent people saying fees should rise 30 per cent and hit staff in the pocket. It is the principle of the matter -- we should listen to our employees and our trades unions," he said.

The committee's recommendation is likely to be challenged when it goes to the full council for ratification later this month.

Any rise, when finally decided, will also apply to council members who pay £18 plus VAT for parking at the Town Hall.

The eight per cent rise would bring in an extra £2,200 to council coffers, with a 30 per cent increase resulting in an additional £8,300. Small rise in

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