A LEISURE centre has defended its move to implement new ‘camera-controlled’ parking systems at its site.

Launceston Leisure Centre revealed this week that it will be introducing a new parking system which will see cars monitored by cameras in order to calculate parking charges.

The car park, which was previously free to park in, will have a payment machine installed to allow for card, cash and phone payments.

Parking will be monitored by a camera-controlled management system situated at the entrance/exit of the car park.

A payment machine will be installed to allow for additional parking by cash or card and a pay by phone facility will also be available.

The new parking charges will allow up to one hour of parking for free for all car park users. However, those using the leisure centre will be entitled for up to three hours for free.

However, following some backlash amid the move, the centre has come out to defend the decision.

In a statement, a spokesperson explained: “We have seen a marked increase in usage of the car park which has at times created problems for the users of the park, the family hub and the leisure centre. Our aim is to safeguard that provision moving forwards.

“The Leisure Centre is a charitable not for profit organisation. There is lots of work going on in the background to improve the building and the services that we provide — a new roof, new improved internal spaces, a new café and seating areas. We are truly hopeful that we will start to see the evidence of first phase before the end of the year.

“Raising funding for any charity is a continuous challenge and we are always looking for new opportunities so money that is raised through car park charges will be ploughed back into the centre and its surrounds via general maintenance and specific projects that will make the whole site more enjoyable for all that use it.

“We are always grateful for your support in keeping the leisure centre open and hope that we can do this long into the future — providing everyone with a space to be, and stay, active and healthy.”