A ROW has broken out amid fears a review of controversial car parking charges in the Dean could be delayed or ditched.

Critics have accused council chiefs of dragging their feet over the study and using the £15,000 cost as an excuse not to do it.

Campaigners and shopkeepers have blamed the charges for a spate of closures in Coleford and Lydney.

Council chiefs agreed to review the impact of the charges after they had been in force for a year and next week the Cabinet will be asked to set aside £15,000 for independent research to be carried out.

But the council's scrutiny committee have asked members of the full council if they still want the research, bearing in mind the costs.

Chairman Coun Phil Burford said members had been divided about whether to ask for a cheaper, in house report based on readily available statistics instead of independent research.

"The full council were not aware of how much it would cost when they asked for the work to be done," he said.

"Cabinet have asked for additional funds so it will go back to full council for a debate before it goes ahead."

For the full story, read The Forester.