Tipton station car park in move to double in size

An extra 107 parking spaces would be created as part of the major extension designed to ease congestion on nearby roads.

Improvements to the park and ride bus terminal also form part of the ambitious proposals which are to be lodged with Sandwell Council by transport giant Centro.

People living near the train station have complained about commuters leaving their cars across driveways in nearby side streets and it is hoped the extension to the car park could put an end to the problem.

The cramped car park currently only has 73 spaces. Under the plans the car park would be extended back towards Stella Road to allow for two new rows of spaces, 10 of which would be disabled access. Centro said the car park was regularly full by 8am and the aim of the extension was to encourage more train travel and help put a stop to on-street parking.

The company said it intended to start the work as soon as possible once planning permission has been granted.

A consultation on the project has launched with residents being asked to give their views on the scheme while members of the public will be able to see detailed plans at an exhibition on March 17.

Tipton councillor Ian Jones said he had been calling for the car park to be extended for the last couple of years and he had regularly dealt with complaints about side streets being clogged up.

Councillor Jones said: "I think the proposed investment will alleviate many of the issues that has been worrying residents for some time. I'm very pleased that these proposals are being put forward and would encourage residents to take part in the consultation and share their views on the proposed improvements. I have been lobbying for these improvements for more than two years and look forward to them coming to Tipton in the very near future.

"The residents have complained about cars being parked around the streets surrounding the train station blocking off driveways and disabled drop kerbs. When leaving the car park many drive through the no entry signs causing road safety issues. The area around this area is in need of a good litter pick and has overgrown trees and shrubs also the subway is off need of continual cleaning of litter.

"Only last week I had a site visit with resident complaining about overflow of cars parking in the streets and causing safety concerns.

This scheme seems to address the concerns of residents and improves the area greatly."