Car parking charges are to be introduced at a leisure centre for the first time.

The Black Lion has traditionally provided free parking on the edge of Gillingham town centre.

When parking meters were installed a year ago they were removed after residents and local councillors complained.

But the Cabinet agreed on Tuesday to the reintroduction of the meters with a 60p charge for the first hour, rising to £2.80 for stays over eight hours.

A report by the parking manager, Rubena Hafizi, said the only reason the car park is being used by shoppers, commuters and workers is because it is free.

Charges will reduce complaints from users of the leisure centre and the neighbouring trampoline centre who can’t park because of outside users, she said.

The plan is to spend £54,000 to provide an additional 100 spaces, introduce the charges from 7am to 10pm daily, and provide refunds for centre users.

The council expects to raise £50,000 a year from ticket sales and fines.