CAMPAIGNERS have launched a petition in their fight to stop parking charges at a beauty spot.

Guardians of the popular St Ives estate at Harden fear the fees would deter visitors and wreck years of improvement work at the site.

Under Bradford Council's proposals, motorists would be charged every day – including bank holidays – between 8am and 6pm.

The fee would be £1 for up to two hours, £2 for up to four hours and £3 beyond that.

Pam Laking, chairman of the Friends of St Ives, said many people were furious at the plans.

"It's an extremely sad situation," she said.

"I was talking to one lady who comes every day with her dog and she said she would only be able to visit once a week.

"And there will be many other people in a similar position.

"Also we hold free events for the public at the estate. If people have to pay to park, that is going to make them think twice about attending.

"We've worked hard – with the council – to create countryside in an urban setting and encourage families and everyone else to enjoy what we offer, but that work is going to be destroyed."

Mrs Laking said the scheme would also have an environmental impact and be difficult to police.

There will be three pay-and-display machines.

"In addition to the machines they will need signage," she added.

"St Ives is a beautiful, natural place – all these meters and signs are going to look totally out of keeping.

"Plus the machines will have to be emptied every night to prevent them being targeted by thieves.

"How much is it going to cost the council to send people up there each day to do that and to enforce this?

"The implications just don't seem to have been properly thought out.

"I appreciate that the council is desperate to raise money, but I'm sure there are other ways it could work with us to increase revenue."

There are also fears the charges could have a knock-on effect on Harden village, with people parking there instead and adding to congestion.

Petitions objecting to the plans have been placed in the St Ives visitor centre and cafe and in local shops.

Also, an online petition is being launched.

"It's really important that people sign – we need the public's support," said Mrs Laking.

The council has sent out consultation letters about its proposals, which were agreed at a budget meeting earlier this year.

A spokesman said: "There have been significant reductions to the council's budget – Government funding for Bradford Council services has been cut by £167.5 million since 2010, with an estimated reduction of funding of £100 million by 2020.

"This means some difficult decisions have to be made on how to reduce costs while increasing income.

"Introducing parking charges at St Ives is something we have to consider as a possible measure to help with this."