A man from Greenwich and has claimed that the price increase to park in Danson Park during the summer months on the weekend will “drive people away from the area.”

Donald Austen, from Shooters Hill expressed shock when he went to park in Danson Park earlier this month only discover that the price had increase by 50p from his last visit during the summer months.

The 73-year-old said: “Last year from April to September it was £3.

“Now it's gone up to £3.50.

“It must have an adverse effect on the businesses in the park.

“I play bowls, there's no way I want to go and play bowls at Danson Park anymore, much as I enjoy it, and I like to play anywhere.

“But just for that charge, it's crazy. I don't think it can be cost effective.”

Donald claimed that since the price increase to park in Danson Park he has seen a surge in people parking outside the park which he feels is in order to “avoid” the £3.50 parking charge.

Donald said: “If you go to Danson Park over the weekend, it is chock-a-block in the streets, in the surrounding streets, because people won't go and pay £3.50.

“It's very difficult to find a place to park.”.

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Cllr Peter Craske has said that charges for parking in Danson Park over the summer period have been in place for “many decades” and that funds raised are reinvested into the park.

Bexley’s Cabinet Member for Places, Cllr Peter Craske said: “Charges for parking in Danson park over the summer months have been in place for many decades, and all the monies raised are reinvested in ensuring this wonderful park remains one of London’s best parks.”

“Last year Danson Park received 'Local Favourite' status in London as part of the UK’s Favourite Parks award run by Fields in Trust following a public vote.”