A HIKE in car parking charges in Alton and Petersfield is on the cards after a low key consultation by East Hampshire District Council.

The contents of the consultation document and the results of subsequent meetings, which have taken place over the past few months behind closed doors, is set to be revealed at an EHDC Cabinet on Thursday.

While the news was revealed by Nicky Branch at Alton Town Council's meeting on October 3, according to Alton Town Council leader, Peter Hicks, councillors are waiting for the details to be made public before seeking to comment.

So too is Alton Chamber of Commerce and Industry whose president, Andy Goodall, said that while his members had taken part in an EHDC survey into car parking, and were not against charges per se, recognising that EHDC needs the revenue, an unreasonable hike would not do the town centre any good.

For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.