THE Forestry Commission plans to charge disabled people for using its four woodland car parks.

Until now, disabled Blue Badge holders have not had to pay a charge to use car parks at Beechenhurst, Symonds Yat Rock, Mallard's Pike and Cannop Cycle Centre.

Currently, able-bodied drivers pay £3 to park between November and February, and £3.50 from March to October. These charges will not rise until at least 2012, says the Forestry.

Forestry spokeswoman Heather Lilley said: "At Forestry sites elsewhere, we already charge disabled people, and this is just bringing our policy in line with the rest of the country.

"Disabled people are still using spaces in our car parks, as well as toilets and footpaths and trails – the charges will go towards their upkeep and maintenance."

The Forestry is also planning to introduce charges at some of its free car parks, possibly at Wenchford.

The Commission's newly titled community and business services manager Phil Morton told the Forestry Commission's Autumn Forum at Beechenhurst Loft that although visitor numbers to the Dean have risen, £14,000 has been spent on replacing machines that were smashed up by would-be robbers or vandals during the summer – although little or no money had been taken by thieves.