CAR PARKING charges have been introduced at a village station, much to the dismay of commuters. Travellers using Meldreth Station were shocked when pay and display charges were imposed at the station car park last month. Cllr Susan Van der Ven, who repres

CAR PARKING charges have been introduced at a village station, much to the dismay of commuters.

Travellers using Meldreth Station were shocked when pay and display charges were imposed at the station car park last month.

Cllr Susan Van der Ven, who represents Meldreth on South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: "I think a lot of people were a bit upset because the charges were introduced without any warning.

"Meldreth was probably one of the last free car parks on the whole network, so it was bound to happen sooner or later.

"While I understand that the train operators have a business to run, it would have been nice to have been given some notice."

Cllr Van der Ven is concerned about the safety implications she says the changes may have on the rest of the village and the surrounding area.

She said: "We're already seeing a big increase of parking in residential areas, particularly Whitecroft Road, which already has a very busy junction.

"People have been telling me that they are driving to Foxton to park in residential areas as well, so it will affect other villages too."

Since the charges were introduced, Cllr Van der Ven has had several conversations with First Capital Connect, which is responsible for the route between Cambridge and London Kings Cross.

She said: "They've been very helpful, and answered a lot of the questions that I've posed on behalf of the villagers.

"They have also agreed to send a representative to a future meeting of Meldreth Parish Council.

"I was hoping they would be able to use this extra income to install disabled access to the southbound platform.

"However, it doesn't look like this will be happening for the moment as making changes to the existing bridge would cost £2.5million.

"It is a shame, as this is something which is desperately needed."

The Crow contacted First Capital Connect, but had not received a response at the time of going to press.