FEWER than 100 people in Burnley back plans to introduce car parking charges at Towneley Park, a survey has revealed.

Burnley Council chiefs handed out almost 2,500 questionnaires on the controversial issue and found 40per cent of the 241 who responded supported the parking fees.

Out of those sent to 500 randomly chosen addresses, 60per cent agreed with parking fees, but only 25per cent of those who filled in 1,950 questionnaires were in favour.

Today, John Pilling, chairman of the Burnley and District Sunday League and vice-chairman of the Warburtons Youth League, said the results showed people did not support the move.

The survey will be used as part of councillors' decision on whether to introduce fees.

But Mr Pilling said it did not carry the weight of a petition against parking charges, which he had delivered representing 100 football teams.

Today, Burnley Council said it had done all it could to consult the public and was not to blame for people failing to return questionnaires.

Mr Pilling said: "I don't think they've done enough.

"I don't think 240 people out of the population of Burnley would register on a calculator.

"I don't think they should go off those figures.

"They should go off the objections they've had.

"The council has this silly thing about if you send in something like that petition, even though it carries the clout of 2,500 people, it's one objection in their eyes. They'd sooner listen to 240 people."

The council sent 500 questionnaires to randomly chosen addresses in the borough and received 109 back.

It also made 1,950 questionnaires available at reception points within the parkm and elsewhere, for visitors to fill in and return. Only 132 came back.

The survey also found that 55per cent of respondents supported proposals to introduce a charge for non-residents of Burnley to visit Towneley Hall.

Local residents would continue to enjoy free entry to Towneley Hall.

Commenting on the lack of replies, a Burnley Council spokesman said: "All we can do is consult, and we have made every effort to consult as widely as possible on this issue.

"The results of that consultation will be given full and proper consideration when the council meets to discuss the issue."

The results of the survey will be included in a report to the council's executive this month.