THE introduction of pay and display parking at Skipton's Aireville Park has been put back to await the approval of North Yorkshire County Council.

Craven District Council had planned to bring in short term parking charges for those not using the pool or fitness centre at the start of April.

A delay in sending out free permits to members of Craven Leisure put the start of charging back until May, and now it has been put back until June at the earliest.

A council spokesman said: “We are anticipating that the parking scheme at Craven Leisure will be introduced on June 1. The introduction of the scheme is dependent on approval from North Yorkshire County Council and the earliest they were able to submit the report for executive member approval is at their first meeting after the local elections. The report is now due to be discussed at their meeting on May 26."

Members of Craven Leisure and parents of children having regular swimming lessons at the pool can apply for parking permits allowing them to park for free at the pool. Other park users, including park runners and dog walkers, will have to pay to park, starting at 50p for an hour, rising to £1.10 for two hours, and £4.50 for more than four hours.

The spokesman added: “Members of Craven Leisure and parents of children with swimming lessons can apply for parking permits which will allow them to park for free at the centre. The permits are being printed over the next week and will be sent to the pool for distribution. Casual users of the centre will be able to have the value of their parking redeemed.”