Patients and relatives visiting a hospital have been using a car park set up without planning permission, it was revealed today.

Pay and display machines were installed at the site, near Walsall Manor Hospital, without permission, says Walsall Council, with drivers hit with penalties of as much as £60 for returning tov ehicles late.

There have also been complaints the Pleck Road car park — called Manor Industrial Estate car park — is displaying signs that look like official NHS signs.

Council planning chiefs are investigating after it emerged the car park does not have the required planning permission for pay and display services.

David Elsworthy, council head of planning and building control, said: “Officers are investigating the implications for the existing industrial users and wider public parking provision in the area.”

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