An East Lancashire local authority's decision to increase its charges for parking in its main town centre are to be reviewed by a special committee.

Blackburn with Darwen Council's Conservative group has 'called in' the rise proposed by the borough's Labour bosses.

Last week the Lancashire Telegraph revealed that the fees for all parking in Blackburn town centre will rise by a 30p from Monday, February 5, while the separate cheaper tariffs for Sundays will be abolished.

But now Livesey with Pleasington Conservative Cllr Mark Russell has submitted a 'call in' request which means a special committee will have to review them.

His notice says the increase will have a 'negative impact on town centre footfall and businesses'.

It adds: "The proposed increase of up to 25 per cent is too steep and will deter short-stay visitors.

"The decision is all stick and no carrot – a scheme such as ‘Free From Three’ should be included to attract visitors and boost town centre business.

"A separate, cheaper tariff should be retained for Sundays.

"The decision does not adequately benchmark against nearby competing town centres."

Cllr Russell said: "Labour should be doing more to help the high street instead of hindering it.

"Continuing to use residents and shoppers as a cash cow will only push more shoppers out of Blackburn town centre towards online shopping, out-of-town retail parks or towns with cheaper parking.

"The proposed increase should be scrapped or offset with a scheme such as 'Free From 3pm' which Blackburn Conservatives have campaigned for."

A December 1 report on parking charges from environment boss Cllr Jim Smith and growth boss Cllr Quesir Mahmood says: "Given the financial challenges facing the council and the continuing changes and improvements to the town centre offer, it is proposed that the parking tariffs are reviewed in 2024.

"We approve a 30p increase on all parking tariffs in the town centre to be introduced with effect from Monday, February 5, 2024.

"The report also sets out proposals to remove the separate parking tariffs for Sundays and to align parking tariffs,so that the same tariffs apply seven days a week."

The parking charges increase will generate an extra £159,000 a year for the council.