CAR parking charges in Ilkley are to be increased by ten per cent within the next three months.

The increased charges are part of a new parking strategy aimed at bringing the Bradford district into line with other town centres in the region but will be subject to consultation.

Parking fees have been frozen for the last three years whilst inflation and budgets have increased.

The increase was approved at the Bradford Council Executive Committee on Tuesday and will be in effect in time for the summer tourist season. David Giddings, spokesman for the Ilkley Business Forum, said: "People will not be happy. Any increase is not usually welcomed.

"The problem here is that with inflationary things there is nothing we can do about it unless it becomes too expensive.

"Last year was a fairly difficult year in rural communities with foot and mouth. Maybe increases are all right in cities but people are still very price conscious. Now they will be faced with a slight increase."

Mr Giddings believes we should be doing more to encourage people to visit Ilkley and is concerned that the increase could keep people away. He said: "People just didn't come last year. I don't think we are any different to anywhere else."

Mr Giddings also questioned proposals for the increased charge to be put into car park improvements. He said: "Nothing is going to be given back. It will all go to Bradford. How will they improve facilities?" The council hopes the charges will generate £100,000 a year in income to go towards more car parking and other improvements such as security, CCTV and improved lighting.

Councillor Michael Gibbons, Chairman of Ilkley Parish Council, said: "Any increases in car parking charges are regrettable. But it is my understanding that the first half an hour would remain fixed at 20p. That will help local people.

"I cannot realistically see that an increase of ten per cent would discourage tourists." Simon Cook, Executive Member for the Environment, said: "The Council is aware of the fine balance between changes to parking charges and encouraging city centre shoppers and supporting businesses.

"The charges are being brought into line with inflation. Income raised from the new car parking charges would go straight back into improving parking facilities."

The introduction of increased fees will be subject to consultations with local businesses and agencies.