A consultation has been launched into controversial plans to introduce car parking charges in country parks and for disabled parking in council run car parks.

Wrexham Council's budget for 2018/19 has been agreed and included proposals to charge for parking at Nant Mill, Alyn Waters and Ty Mawr, as well as bring charges for disabled people in line with other charges at council-owned car parks.

It is proposed to introduce a daily charge of £1 for visitors to Nant Mill, Alyn Waters and Ty Mawr Country Parks together with the offer of a concessionary annual parking permit of £50.00.

The statutory consultation was launched yesterday and will run until March 29.

It is hoped to raise about £25,000 a year through disabled parking charges, though there will be an estimated cost of about £50,000 to make the changes necessary to make it viable.

The estimated £50,000 cost also covers any changes needed to introduce fees for parking at country parks across the borough.

Campaigner Nathan Lee Davies collected more than 1,300 signatures on his petition against the proposal, which he described as “absurd”.

And Llay Utd bosses said they may be forced to move out of the village after more than 30 years as a result of charges being introduced at Alyn Waters, where some of their teams train.

A club spokesman said: "The club is very disappointed by the decision of the committee and we feel let down by the councillors and Wrexham Council.

“Following the committee’s decision, the proposal will now go to consultation and we would urge everyone to comment on this.

“During our January club meeting, the proposal was discussed and the consensus was that the club feel it is unfair on our players’ parents to be asked to pay additional money to Wrexham Council to park at Alyn Water during match days.

"“It has always been the club’s aim to have a home to call our own, where the club can all play at the same venue rather than teams playing on different pitches across Wrexham and Flintshire.

“Now it is becoming clear Wrexham Council is determined to push ahead with the charges, the committee will now discuss the various options.

“Ultimately all the committee is doing is to look at alternatives and the final choice will be with the club members/ parents who will be given the vote on whether to stay and pay for parking or move the club to an alternative venue.

“The club is proud of its 35 year history in Llay and all the hard work that the team of dedicated volunteers have done to make the club what it is today, and would urge all players and parents to stick with us and watch this space.”

Anyone wishing to respond to the consultation should do so in writing to The Head of Environment and Planning, Environment Department, Abbey Road South, Wrexham Industrial Estate, LL13 9PW

Or responses can be emailed to parking@wrexham.gov.uk.