THE cost of a controversial residents' parking scheme in Bicester could be reduced following fierce opposition from local people.

Cherwell District Council angered many town centre residents when it suggested they could be charged £200 a year to park outside their own homes - paying more than residents of Chelsea, Westminster and Brighton.

But this week councillors decided to recommend the cost of permits be dropped to £50.

And they also decided households wanting additional permits, which had also been proposed at £200, should pay just £25.

The council decided last month to press ahead with the scheme in six streets - Victoria Road, Priory Road, North Street, Kings End, Henley Gardens and Church Lane.

The decision followed an informal consultation which councillors said showed the majority of residents in those streets were in favour of a scheme.

Cherwell has always maintained the proposed £200 figure would cover administrative and enforcement costs and not make the council a profit.

The council's chief engineer, Tony Brummell, said the new prices were proposed by Cherwell District Council's environment select committee.

They will now go before the council's executive for final approval, probably in November.