A PARKING permit scheme is on the table for neighbours of Northwich train station who could struggle to park their cars once charges come into effect.

Arriva Rail North, which runs the station through the Northern franchise, announced last month that it would charge motorists £2 a day to leave their car at the station from the end of September.

It means residents in the area are growing fearful that commuters looking to avoid the charge will take up on-street parking space outside their homes – as many drivers have done the same in Hartford after its train station implemented car park charges.

The issue was discussed at a Northwich Town Council meeting last week, where members agreed to send a formal letter to Arriva outlining their stance on the matter.

"It will be interesting to see how it goes but I personally think it will be like Hartford, and we will have lots of complaints from residents," said Cllr Kevin Rimmer, member for Greenbank.

"It might be £2 at the moment but it will be interesting to see how quickly they raise that – like they say themselves, it's an income stream."

Cllr Andrew Cooper, member for Bridge, suggested that the council could ask Arriva if it would consider part-funding a residents' parking scheme to mitigate any parking problems for neighbouring residents.

He said: "Arriva can do what it likes with its car park, but it will create a problem, so it is only right that we ask the question before charges come into effect."

In addition to the letter, members agreed to Cllr Cooper outlining the council's position to Arriva as its representative in the Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership, during a forthcoming meeting.

Garry Smith, of Barton Place, believes the charge will lead to commuters ‘parking any which way they can’ near his home, and believes a permit scheme would be worth the money.

He told the Guardian: “Yes it’s only £2 a day that Arriva are charging, but if you use the train to go to work every day that’s £10 a week, £40 a month, it all mounts up.

“We already have a problem with drivers who stop to visit the shops and facilities in Station Road, but once the charge begins more people will park on the street all day long.

“Some people might not be happy with a parking permit at the moment, but if people can’t park outside their homes then we should have the appetite to do it.”