FREE parking is set to end for students and staff at Bolton College.

Bolton Council is in negotiation with a private contractor to provide paid-for parking spaces behind the Manchester Road college.

At present, motorists park on rough, unmade land behind the college.

But, if their negotiations are successful Bolton Council which owns the land, in partnership with a private car park contractor, will develop official car parking facilities.

The plan has already received a hostile response from students at the college who claim they cannot afford any charges.

Mr Brian Shaw, head of resources in the environmental department of Bolton Council, said: "At present the council is in negotiation with a private contractor to develop land behind the college and I do not want to jeopardise any scheme.

"Providing our negotiations are successful, then we will turn what is presently rough land with no security arrangements into a proper, secure car parking facility for the public.

"We are aiming to strike a balance between the students and the need to provide proper parking in that area and concessionary rates are being investigated."

Mr Terry Hogan, principal of Bolton College, said college managers were looking to secure the best deal it could for staff and students once parking fees are introduced on the site.

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