Daytrippers in Sandwell are set to feel the pinch after new charges were introduced at some of the borough’s best loved beauty spots today.

Local people and tourists will now have to pay to get into Sandwell Park Farm, and motorists will also have to cough up to park at scenic Sandwell Valley.

Sandwell Council hopes the parking charges will bring in £27,000 each year and admission charges £72,000. 

Library fines are also set to increase by 10 per cent from today.

The council has defended the decision, claiming income generated by the charges will mean better services in Sandwell which would in turn bring more people into the borough.

John Satchwell, parks and green spaces manager, said: “We try to keep charges down as far as possible but we do need to meet running costs.”  

The plans were approved last month, and increases for guided walks, workshops and special events came into force in the borough today.

Parking fees at the Sandwell Show, which brings thousands of people to the borough each August, are also set to be increased.

Parking charges will not be brought in until later in the year. 

However, it has confirmed that popular shows and events at museums and arts centres will cost more for some visitors. Families visiting Sandwell Park Farm will now pay £2, with adults paying £1 and children 50p to visit the attraction.

And charges for nature and guided tours at the farm will go up from £8.50 to £10 for families, in addition to the new parking costs.

Other increases include the hire of football pitches with changing rooms. 

These will be raised for adult users to reflect the rise in energy prices, going up from £37.25 to £40 a season.