The Vale of Glamorgan Council has announced that parking fees at Cosmeston Country Park and Lakes will commence on Monday 19 July.

From this date, park users will pay £1 for up to two hours, £2 for up to four hours and £4 all day. Alternatively, six and 12-month permits are available for £30 and £50.

These charges apply daily between:

• 10:00am - 8.00pm (01 March to 30 September)
• 10:00am - 5.00pm (01 October - end of February)

Payments for parking can be made via coins, pay by phone, text, smartphone or contactless/chip and pin.

The Council first announced the fees in October last year. They come into as resident-only parking commences in nearby streets on this weekend.

Cllr Peter King, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services and Transport, said: "The introduction of car park charges at these locations has been the subject of lengthy engagement, consultation and debate. The proposals were approved following a process of scrutiny by Elected Members of the Council, who agreed them at the two all-party Scrutiny Meetings.

"Our primary aim is the better management of parking at our resorts and country parks and in our town centres. There is a cost to doing that and to maintaining and sustaining them. Our highly regarded country parks are used by many people from outside the Vale of Glamorgan, as well as residents, and it is only reasonable that visitors should help pay for their upkeep and all money generated will be used for this purpose.

"There continues to be free parking available in both Barry and Cowbridge town centres on-street and off-street, and the introduction of charges in Wyndham Street, Barry and Town Hall car park, Cowbridge is designed to increase turnover of spaces, which should help local businesses."