A ROW over whether churchgoers and drinkers should be allowed free parking on Sunday mornings has delayed a decision about whether to raise pay-and-display charges in Southport. The town currently has the lowest parking fees of any sea-side resort in the country, with charges remaining as low as 80p on some streets since 1995. Sefton councillors have been arguing the details of an increase in parking charges for the last 10 years without reaching a decision. In June, Labour cabinet members finally pushed through a package increasing pay-and-display fees by between 10p and £1 an hour. But this week that was clawed back when Liberal Democrats said they wanted an amendment to allow free Sunday morning parking. Birkdale councillor Richard Hands believes churches, bars and hotels are being penalised by charging for pay-and-display meters from 9am until 6pm every day. The matter has now been delayed for debate at the next full council meeting on September 18. Coun Hands told the Daily Post: "Firstly, there's an issue of people who go out drinking on a Saturday night and quite rightly leave their cars behind. "Secondly, several churches are finding their congregations are being penalised for going to worship. "Finally, this also affects hoteliers. People coming for a day out often decide to stay over, but are faced with the choice of a hefty fine, or driving home." But Sefton's council leader, Labour's David Martin, accused the Liberal Democrats of using delaying tactics. He said: "This is just absolute nonsense and a complete waste of time. "Our scrutiny and review committee has now agreed to consider the option of Sunday parking as a separate matter in future. But the other parties won't accept that, they want to railroad this proposal in with the main package. "I am not opposed to the idea of free Sunday parking, but it is a mat ter that needs careful consideration. "If we grant free parking to one group like to a religious group, or to Saturday night drinkers, then we gradually start chipping away at our policy and everyone will want free parking." The package proposed in June also raised parking penalties in Sefton from £40 to £60. It estimated the borough would make an annual surplus of around £1.4m in parking revenue. That was intended to be ploughed back into service improvements, including £50,000 a year to staff an Eco visitor centre, and £110,000 for a park and ride scheme. | 
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