TOURISTS and residents across Pembrokeshire have signed a petition against a proposed rise in parking charges at Newgale.

Until five weeks ago, the three car parks at Newgale beach were free.

However, Pembroke-shire County Council initially introduced a 60p charge to park at Newgale and now, only weeks later, it is planning to raise the fee to £2 per day.

In just one week, Andrew Scott, president of Pembrokeshire Surf Club, has collected more than 800 signatures opposing the charge.

Andrew, who lives just outside Newgale, said: "It is ridiculous for the council to charge locals and holiday makers alike for the use of a local amenity that has been free for as long as I can remember.

"At the very least there should be concessions for local people. People surf every day here and many local elderly people walk their dogs or just like to sit and enjoy the view. To have to pay £10 a week to enjoy your local beach is crazy."

The Williams family from Milford Haven (pictured at the beach) also signed the petition.

Mum, Margaret Williams said: "We come to Newgale at least twice every month. If I can get away with it there is no way I'll pay to park here.

"The surface of the car park is appalling, there is no proper access to the beach, you have to clamber down a bank and there are no showers. Where would our money be going?"

A county council spokesman said: "The £2 parking fee for Newgale car parks is, at this stage, only a proposal. A concession for local people and issues about the surface of the middle car park and access to the beach is under consideration."