Summertown soccer club may get parking charge deal

Summertown Stars could be offered a season ticket for players’ parents instead of fees of up to £4 at Cutteslowe Park.

Parents had warned meter fees would force them to park in neighbouring streets and deter others from letting their children join the club.

Vice-chairman Roger Parry said the club was willing to discuss the issue with Oxford City Council and said it depended on the cost of the season ticket.

He said: “A lot depends on what comes out of it.

“Whether it goes down well will depend on what price it is set at.”

Yet he said it would be an “embarrassment” if visitors’ teams still had to pay the fees.

More than 600 people signed a petition opposing the charges. The club has 400 boys and girls signed to its teams aged six to 18.

There is currently no residents’ permit scheme near the park and locals fear charges will clog their streets.

Don Manley, of Hayward Road, said residents’ permits must be introduced if fees were brought in at the park.

He said: “I don’t want to have to pay for residents’ parking, but if that serves the greater good of the community then we should be prepared to pay.”

Andrew Bradfield-Barnes, the council’s parking manager, said the city’s executive board had authorised him to explore a possible permit scheme with the sports club.

He said: “We would get a lump sum we could budget for and they would get a reduction.

“We have to talk to the club and that hasn’t happened yet.

“In principle we are happy with it as it is a sensible suggestion.”

The cash-strapped authority announced charging plans in November in a bid to raise £67,000.

Earlier this month, the council revised plans to increase charges at Headington car park to appease angry businesses.

Charges are set to be introduced at Cutteslowe Park, Hinksey Park, Port Meadow, Alexandra Courts, Court Place Farm, Horspath and Marsh Rec.

Fees will not apply to Shotover Park or Port Meadow (Godstow Road).