THE return of car boot sales, craft fairs and hosting weddings have all been put forward as ways of making money for a popular city park.

The suggestions have been made by Councillor Richard Udall who has offered “the hand of friendship and co-operation” to sit down and talk with cabinet member for communities Cllr Lucy Hodgson over the future of Worcester Woods and how the council can bring in more money and attract more visitors.

Cllr Udall said: “I am naturally delighted that the proposal to impose car parking charges has been stopped, but I fear the suggestion may return in future years; especially if we don’t seek to find an agreement to find alternative streams of income from the site.

“During the debates about car parking charges alternative suggestions for revenue were made, including installing a solar power farm at the site to generate electricity which could power County Hall, the return of car boot sales and craft fairs and creating a green and sustainable wedding and conference venue.

“I don’t know if these suggestions are viable or not, but we should look at them and consider ways in which the county council could be more commercial without harming the nature of the site and undermining its ability to be a free-to-use location for families to enjoy.

“Naturally, we have to look at all our assets to see how we can maximise the benefit for the taxpayer, without damaging their rights to enjoy the land they ultimately own.”

A plan to introduce car parking charges for visitors was proposed in November last year and Cllr Udall battled to halt its introduction, handing over a 4,500-strong petition to council leaders from outraged residents.

The county council eventually U-turned on the decision and scrapped the plans for a £100,000 income target for the park.

Cllr Udall continued: “I would like to offer the hand of friendship and co-operation to Lucy Hodgson, I believe we could work together for the common good and come up with ways to generate revenue which will secure the future of the site and forever prevent any risk of car parking charges being proposed ever again.

“Clearly we have different political backgrounds, but I would like to think we could put our differences to one side to establish any changes upon which we can all agree.”