Patrols to curb parking dodgers

11:49am Sunday 29th October 2006

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PARKING attendants are to be called in to a swimming pool car park to crack down on drivers who do not pay.

The three-storey car park at Horwich Leisure Centre is not currently recognised as an official pay and display by Bolton Council.

It means wardens do not patrol the area and motorists are getting away with leaving their cars for free.

There have also been problems with youths hanging around the area and causing damage to vehicles.

Now plans have been drawn up to get the multi-storey accredited by Town Hall chiefs in Bolton and call traffic wardens in to check tickets.

Horwich mayor, Cllr Bernard McCartin, said: "This will be much better for the area if it is monitored by an attendant.

"The public will feel safer knowing that someone is keeping an eye their cars in a secure place. The cost is a minimal amount for peace of mind and hopefully will act as a deterrent."

The changes mean it will be strictly monitored and the price and operating hours cannot be altered without a traffic order being issued.

It will cost 30p for up to four hours and 50p for the day.

A spokesperson for Bolton Community Leisure, who manage Horwich Leisure Centre, said: "The car park at Horwich Leisure Centre has always been pay and display but will now be actively patrolled.

"The car park, which has approximately 100 spaces, was patrolled in the past and we are now re-introducing this to make sure people pay.

"This also gives an added perk to Leisure Club members, as they get a free parking pass. It isn't a perk if members of the public are not paying."