A RUNNING group worries it won’t be able to continue as new parking rules come into place reports the Local Democracy Reporter.

Brentwood Parkrun organisers say parking should remain free for their weekly Saturday events at Weald Country Park, which they say is under threat due to new parking cameras coming into force.

Instead, the volunteers that the parkrun relies upon and its runners will have to fork out £4.20 for two hours of parking, with fears that the new charge will put people off coming.

The group wants charges suspended until after the event ends at 11am on Saturday mornings.

Ann Cardus, one of the Brentwood Parkrun volunteers, said: “I would like them to reconsider providing free parking for all people participating in parking whether they are volunteering or running on a Saturday morning.

“That’s something that could be done in the system because the vast majority of people who go to Weald on a Saturday morning are people doing Parkrun, and you just start payment at 11am.

Organisers say the Brentwood Parkrun is one of the most popular in Essex. On August 23, 159 runners took part, aided by 24 volunteers.

Essex County Council is responsible for public health, including promoting healthy lifestyles such as exercise.

A spokesperson for Essex County Council said: “We are aware of Brentwood Parkrun’s concerns regarding volunteer parking at Weald Country Park.

“Parkrun organisers and volunteers have always enjoyed free parking in agreement with our country parks.

“Essex County Council is moving to a different enforcement route within our parks. However, there is no proposal to change our existing arrangements with parkrun organisers, who will continue to be able to access the free parking they have previously enjoyed.

“We absolutely recognise the value parkrun brings to our community and remain committed to working with Parkrun within country parks across the county.”