HUNDREDS of shopkeepers, clubs, voluntary and residents' groups have been invited to a meeting to decide the next stage of a campaign against York's parking charges.

Letters about the gathering on Thursday have been posted to traders and other interested parties in an effort to hear people's views on what further action should be taken. City of York councillors are not invited.

But Coun Ann Reid, City of York Council's executive member for transport, questioned the timing of the meeting, arguing that it was "premature".

She said council officers were evaluating feedback from the consultation on car parking charges and restrictions ready to present their report to the executive on September 28. It is expected to be made public on September 20.

Brian Anderson, regional organiser for the Transport and General Workers' Union, is one of many opponents to parking charges and yellow lines, and is helping to organise the meeting.

He believes the charges are damaging York's pubs, shops, B&Bs, voluntary groups, bands, churches and choirs.

"We don't want political groups at the meeting," said Mr Anderson, who is also a member of York TUC.

"We want businesses, voluntary sector groups and any residents to come along and say how best to pursue the campaign. It is going a bit tired at the moment and if it stays like this the council will not change its views. We need to keep the pressure up, and there are a lot of disgruntled people about.

"I am confident we have done a good job so far altogether. Everyone has been smashing, and it is effectively about showing the council what we think of it." The meeting is at 7.30pm on Thursday, August 26, at the Priory Street Community Centre.

Coun Reid, a Liberal Democrat, told the Evening Press that all suggestions made during the consultation, whose deadline was last Friday, would be considered.

"The officers' report will recommend ways forward, taking into account all the comments which have been made.

"We are also talking to various groups. It seems a bit early for a meeting in that people won't know what's in the report. Once people know what's being suggested, they might feel their concerns have been addressed."

The Evening Press has launched its own Stop The Highway Robbery campaign against City of York Council's new and higher parking charges and restrictions.

Updated: 10:48 Monday, August 16, 2004