COUNCIL staff members are to have free parking permits taken away by their employers.

Town hall bosses agreed to support the Bury Travel Plan, which will axe the subsidised staff and member parking permits, and see them contributing 25 per cent towards the cost of parking.

The idea is part of the Travel Plan, which executive members of Bury Council chose to support at Wednesday's meeting.

It also promotes cycling, walking to work, and car sharing to help improve the environment and health.

To encourage staff members to leave their cars at home, and to avoid paying the 25 per cent towards parking costs, the council will introduce a number of new initiatives.

Umbrellas will be provided in the reception of council buildings for staff travelling on foot in bad weather.

Personal alarms will also be given to staff members who opt to use public transport, walk or cycle while working.

Councillor Roy Walker, who does not use a car for work, said: "I have caught buses and walked while working in different parts of the country. Most places can be reached by public transport and on foot."

The council has issued 742 permits, and bosses are proposing to keep some of these for essential car users. The permits cost £440 a year for a five-day pass, and £555 for a six-day one.