WIRRAL Labour group has insisted proposed coastal parking charges will not mean householders having to pay to park outside their own homes.

The assurance came after a day of action in Hoylake and West Kirby saw more than 300 people take part in a public meeting and demonstration against the plan.

Saturday’s action - organised by Conservative councillors and residents - saw senior highways officers questioned at a meeting in Melrose Hall, Hoylake, followed by a march along the promenade at West Kirby.

Tories claim that if implemented the scheme will see people who live on or near promenades "being charged £8,000 a year for parking near their homes as well charges for any visitors who wish to park near the coast."

Conservative councillor Andrew Gardner said: “The town hall’s plans have been shown to stem from parking issues in New Brighton, but they’ve forgotten that Hoylake, Meols and West Kirby parades are residential areas.

“We are insisting the council go back to the drawing board on this.

"It’s outrageous that people will be charged £8,000 a year to park outside their own house.”

Resident and march organiser Ruth Trout said "the council's plans for the parking charges are short-sighted and the full impact on residents and small businesses has been disregarded by these plans.

"Our side roads are already congested often leading to residents parking on South Parade and this has been exacerbated by the recent introduction of restricted parking on Banks Road.

"If this scheme goes ahead we are expected to pay £2 for during the day and £20 at night."

But Cllr Stuart Whittingham, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “The proposals for parking charges are currently out for consultation and local residents and businesses are encouraged to participate.

"However what I will make absolutely clear is that no resident will be asked to pay to park outside their own home.

“The Tories’ first reaction is always to launch a petition, a protest and a press release, whereas Labour councillors take responsible actions to solve the problem."

He added: "The proposed charges are part of a larger review into traffic and parking in Wirral.

"Traders have long complained about commuters taking all the available parking outside their stores and we have started to address that with time restricted parking bays and metering.

"We are also working with businesses in Banks Road to implement revised waiting restrictions informed by the West Kirby Retail Action Plan.”

The plan could see parking charges introduced in New Brighton, Wallasey, Meols, Hoylake and West Kirby.