A VOLUNTEER who gives her free time to mentor a troubled youngster has hit out at York's evening parking charges.

Helen Rough, who spends one evening a week with an 11-year-old boy as part of a council-run scheme, said the introduction of city centre charges after 6pm has limited the activities available to them.

Mrs Rough, who lives in Acomb, York, has mentored the boy for the last year and a half as part of the Network 2 scheme.

The project, which targets 11 to 18-year-olds who are identified as potential young offenders, is run by City of York Council using Government funding.

"In my case, I have to use the car because he is only 11 and I have to get him home safely," said Mrs Rough.

"If we go into town to do something, £3 of my £10-a-week budget goes on parking the car, which I think is appalling. It is prohibitive. It really affects what we are able to do.

"They give us some money with one hand and take away with the other. It incenses me beyond belief."

Mrs Rough is so angry about the charges that she has contacted York MP Hugh Bayley.

Mr Bayley told the Evening Press: "I thought Mrs Rough's complaints were very valid. It is a good illustration of what is wrong with the council trying to balance its budget with parking charges.

"People would not object to paying the costs of providing the parking, but when it becomes a stealth tax added to the council tax, it undermines other services."

Network 2 were unable to comment on the matter.

Coun Sue Galloway, a member of the ruling Liberal Democrat executive, said that Mrs Rough could park for free during the evening at Peel Street car park.

"This car park has been free for a long time," she said.

Updated: 10:28 Monday, July 19, 2004