UNION members are planning a march and demonstration against York's parking charges - and the Mother Superior at a city convent says she is willing to take part.

The York & District Trades Union Council claims the controversial new fees will have a detrimental impact on the city's commercial life and could cost jobs.

It is consulting with affiliate unions about whether it could stage a march, demonstration and public meeting over the City of York Council charges, which it brands an "additional tax on York people".

It said in a statement: "The council needs to look again at this tax on York motorists."

Sister Mary Walmsley, Mother Superior at the Bar Convent in Blossom Street, which runs a bed-and-breakfast business, said charges had badly hit the convent, where there were 21 nuns, and she would be willing to join a peaceful march.

She said new evening fees in Nunnery Lane car park meant that guests were now having to pay another £3.90 on top of the convent's "very reasonable" charge of £28 per single room.

Business manager Bernadette Oliver said some guests had told her that the charges would put them off staying there again. She also feared that increased daytime charges could deter important conference business.

Sister Mary said nursing staff who looked after elderly sisters at St Joseph's nursing home within the convent had always been allowed to park on the cobbles outside, but this was apparently no longer allowed.

"We have been here on this site since 1685, and it does seem ludicrous that we cannot park outside our own house at any time."

Mrs Oliver said she wrote last month to City of York Council to warn that any loss of business would have a serious impact on the future of the convent's business, which she said paid for the maintenance of the Grade I listed building.

She also asked if it would be possible for the Bar Convent to enjoy a similar voucher scheme at Nunnery Lane car park to one which allowed conference delegates at St William's College to park at a discount in Foss Bank car park.

She received a reply saying this was possible, but only using Foss Bank where there was spare capacity. She said this was on the other side of the city centre, and she viewed the suggestion as ludicrous.

The council's executive member for transport, Coun Ann Reid, said today that as far as she was aware, the TUC had not even spoken to the council about its concerns over parking, and she suggested they should do this before organising a march.

She said the council would be consulting with businesses including the Bar Convent over its proposed new evening parking pass, which she suggested might even assist people staying for bed and breakfast at city establishments.

Updated: 10:40 Friday, May 21, 2004