Olympics Star joins Park Charges Protest

2.54.04pm GMT Mon 8th Mar 2010

British Olympic star and medal hope, distance runner, Jo Pavey has joined the protest against parking charges in Bushy and Richmond Parks. She says her preparations require use of the parks on a daily basis (by car to the parks and running when there); parking charges will make the regular training run an expensive preparation.

Vincent Cable MP said: "The parks' authorities have forgotten that in addition to the casual walkers, dog walkers and picnickers there are groups of people who actually need the parks, including the Borough's athletes. Jo is one of Britain's top Olympic stars and we are lucky to have her living in the local community. She has approached me to support the protest or, if we are not successful in stopping the charges, to obtain a permit to allow her to train regularly.

"Hopefully there will be all-party support this week for the motion in the House of Lords which would kill the charges."