RUNNERS and spectactors at this year’s Race For Life at Lydiard Park were furious when they found they had to pay to park.

At times the queues for the pay and display machines numbered more than 70 people, with many expressing their surprise that parking restrictions were still in force at a charity event.

Others found themselves without the required £4 in change or unable to make the pay-by-phone service work.

Estimates based on the number of participants - and allowing for the sharing of vehicles - suggest the council could have generated more than £4,000 over the course of the weekend.

Dan Sly, of Upper Stratton, said: “I am very angry, I couldn’t believe it. I think it’s disgusting.

"If the money had been put in a pot for Cancer Research I would happily have put a few pounds in. The money should have gone directly to the charity. I think most people would have been happy to pay if that had been the case.”

Ali Moore, from Royal Wootton Bassett, said: “I think it’s absolutely outrageous and shocking. We’re all here for charity, it’s just not good enough. They could have just closed it off for one day - how long is this queue going to take?”

“I think it’s disgusting,” added Theresa Sawyer from Park South, whose daughter was taking part.

“These people have taken time to come here for charity, they’ve paid their £15 and now they’ve got to spend another £4 on parking.

"The council should give the money to Cancer Research. It’s terrible.”

Deb Hancock said: “It never crossed my mind that they would charge people to park at a charity event. The council should give the money to the charity.”

Last year Swindon Borough Council voted to introduce parking charges at Lydiard Park and Coate Water but the indication was always that these charges would not apply to large charity events.

Michelle Leighton, event manager for Race for Life in Swindon, said: “We were made aware of the introduction of parking meters at Lydiard Park ahead of this year’s Race for Life and did our best to forewarn our supporters of the need to allow extra time to arrive.

“The new parking charge was something we had discussed with the council in the hope that the fee could be waived for those taking part on the day, but unfortunately this was not possible.

“We were sorry to learn of the problems encountered by some of our participants and supporters and thank them for their perseverance. We were delighted that Race for Life in Swindon was a huge success again this year and we’d like to thank everyone who took part, volunteered or helped to cheer participants on.”

Labour’s Country Parks spokesman said the council’s decision not to waive the charges appears to go against a commitment made by the cabinet last year.

Coun Jane Milner-Barry said: “It is quite a surprise, especially given the decision taken by Cabinet in December.”

The decision in question outlined that “from April 2017, volunteers and organisers for charitable events or fundraising events that benefit the town and organisers of user groups on site will be supported to park without charge.”

Coun Milner-Barry added: “Why does the Race For Life not apply? Does it not benefit Swindon by raising funds for research into so many forms of cancer?

“The charges were waived for two events last year, the dragon boat racing at Coate Water and the Santa Run at Lydiard Park, both organised by the Rotary Club. Are some organisations getting a special deal?”

A spokesman for Swindon Borough Council said: “Car parking charges were introduced at Lydiard to support the running of the Park and House and they also cover the cost of any wear and tear from the many events held throughout the year.

“However, charitable organisations are able to book Lydiard at a subsidised rate and the weekend’s Race for Life event also benefitted from the support of half a dozen Council staff throughout the weekend, free of charge.

“Organisers of the Race for Life were fully aware of the park’s car parking policy and advertised it as widely as possible on their marketing materials prior to the event.”