A CAR park at one of North Cornwall’s much-loved beauty spots is soon set to charge drivers for use of the space.

In recent weeks, Widemouth Bay Car Park has been at the heart of discussions among locals following decisions to renovate the site. Works have resulted in two of the car parks being closed, while the southern car park has been completely resurfaced.

The changes have drawn criticism from locals, many suggesting that the charm of the location has been lost due to the style of the renovated site.

One resident said: “I really miss sitting on the grass with a picnic, like most local people did, destroyed, all for what a few months of a year for tourists to park, what about the local people who park up there all the time and want to enjoy life living in such a beautiful place.

Another added: “Years ago it was a great place to surf, chill out, park the vans and cars on the grass whilst chilling out with your mates. Part of the attraction was it’s not like every other car park. Now it’s simply cram them in, inflate the prices and destroy the natural landscape. Should have kept it as it was.”

However, the beyond the site’s appearance, changes at Widemouth Bay Car Park include the introduction of parking charges.

Formerly free, the site will now cost £2 a day to use between 9am and 4pm, with motorists able to park for an hour for free. The site will also prohibit parking for cars, motorcycles, motor homes and camper vans between 11pm and 8am, limiting access overnight and early in the morning.

Following the changes, calls have been made to prevent such a development at Bude’s Crooklets car park.

Marhamchurch and Poundstock Parish councillor, Tom O’Sullivan, said: “While for some this development is clearly considered to be something to be celebrated, I'm not sure the community of Widemouth and the wider area quite see it like that.

“Maybe it will look better with the passage of time but at the moment I think it's fair to say it doesn't really blend in very well with the ambiance of the surrounding area.

“I have a feeling the visual impact of this will enhance the credibility of Cllr La Broy's campaign to prevent similar from happening at Crooklets.”

Commenting on the changes, Cllr Peter La Broy, Cornwall councillor for Bude and portfolio holder for housing, said: “I am incredibly pleased that Cornwall Council listened to the overwhelming public opinion expressed via social media. The people of Bude would prefer the Crooklets car park overspill to be left as a natural open grassed area. This allows visitors and members of our community to enjoy our open air outdoors environment in its natural form - kick a ball around, put up a windbreak and put up a picnic table - all things that wouldn't be possible if it were to be formalised in a similar way to Widemouth.”