A STEEP charge imposed by Waverley could be the price faced by Lower Street residents if they want to climb a flight of steps to their homes.

Residents of the row of terraced houses overlooking Somerfield and the town centre car park, have been warned by Waverley Borough Council officers that they may be forced to fork out an annual fee to use the steps up to their homes.

Outraged by the proposal, all the residents of the ten homes say they will fight Waverley to keep their access to the car park free of charge.

Pippa Jeacock, one of the residents who could be affected by the charge, said it was an "absolutely ridiculous" idea.

"We do not have space to park our cars on the road and have to use the car park. If we were unable to use the steps we would have to risk life and limb to walk along Lower Street and round to our cars," said Ms Jeacock.

The stretch of Lower Street along which residents would walk does not have a pavement and residents would have to cross the busy road to get to the pavement and then re-cross the road further along to walk to the car park safely.

Ms Jeacock continued: "When we bought the homes we knew that we would not have parking spaces, and we were prepared for that.

"We have to pay Waverley for a season ticket to park in the town centre car park and this charge on top would just be outrageous."

According to Ms Jeacock, the residents have been told by Waverley officers that if they can prove the steps are 20 or more years old, the charge cannot be imposed in the future.

The group is now appealing to anybody who has any photographs or other records of the steps dating back to 1982 or before to contact them with the details.

"We have heard by word of mouth that the steps were there more than 20 years ago but we really need the evidence to prove it to the council," Ms Jeacock said.

She added: "Most of the people living in the houses are young couples trying to improve their properties. We are working hard to make our gardens and houses look good, and adding to the community. It is unfair that we may be penalised."

A spokesman for Waverley Borough Council told The Herald: "Nothing has been agreed as yet about a charge to use the steps, but the matter is being considered by officers."

Anyone who has photographs or evidence proving the age of the steps should contact Ms Jeacock on 01428 65833.