PARKING charges at Whitehaven Harbour have been increased due to ‘a rise in utility prices’.

Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners, which operates four car parks in the area, say utility costs have increased by 250 per cent.

Chief executive John Baker says the small increases are necessary to cover the Harbour Commissioners’ costs and allow it to invest in projects to improve the area and the town.

John said: “We have kept our parking charges at the same rate for the last four years. However, like everybody, we have been affected by the recent rises in energy and other costs.

“This means we’ve had to make a small increase to charges at our car parks. We understand the financial challenges people are facing at the moment, so we have worked hard to keep the price rise as small as possible.

“As always, revenue from the car parks will be put back into maintaining and improving the harbour and its infrastructure. I’d like to thank everyone who uses our car parks for their understanding and for helping us keep the harbour special.”

Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners operate Quay Street North car park, Quay Street South car park, Tangier Street car park, Queens Dock car park.

It also runs the Rum Story Museum and Shop, which sells a wide range of locally produced food and drink and other items.

The parking charges will increase from today by the following:

To £1.70, up from £1.50, for one hour

To £3.50, up from £3, for five hours

To £4.50, up from £4, for 12 hours

To £5.50, up from £5, for 24 hours