End of free parking at Rye Sports Centre

Rother voted to make car parks at the sports centre and nearby Rye College pay and display this week.

The charges, which have yet to be determined, will come into force on June 5.

People hogging spaces at the sports centre has become a growing problem and has meant that people who want to use the facilities there are sometimes unable to park.

While the car park is to become pay and display, charges will be waived for sports centre users, who will be able to reclaim the charge.

Those parking without paying are liable to face heavy penalty charges.

Rye Mayor Sam Souster said: "We have neded this for a long while.

People have really abused the situation so much so that those who want to park to use the sports centre cannot do so.

"there is no excuse for it the market car park is right next door and only charges 1 all day.

Cllr Bernardine Fiddimore said: "I know people who leave their cars there in the morning and catch a train to London. It is not acceptable."

But while the charges will make it easier for sports centre users, one resident has warned it will lead to the decline of Rye as a visitor attraction.

Kirsty Doherty, of Marley bRoad, said: "The whole scheme is ludicrous and insulting to the people and businesses in Rye, a town which is struggling through the recent recession to attract visitors.

"These charges will be another reason to stay away from Rye and visit neighbouring towns such as Tenterden.

"Rother could learn a lot from Wealden Council where public parking is free.

"We already pay a high council tax, for which we see very little benefit, apart from refuse collection. These charges are insulting to hard working families struggling to make ends meet.

"Our High Street and tourism are fading and this will only add another nail in the coffin."

But Rother chief executive Derek Stevens said: "People are taking advantage of the free parking at the swimming pool to the extent that swimming pool customers and, in particular, parents taking children to after school sports sessions and swimming lessons, are unable to park."