100 extra Dudley parking spaces on the way for shoppers

If approved, the spaces will come up for grabs at Westox House in St James's Road and Regent House in King Street along with the rear of 3 to 5 St James's Road.

But the spaces won't come for free with season tickets for the spaces costing from £140 to £400.

Dudley Council says it will save it £100,000 a year in staff parking costs by transferring the spaces for use by traders and shoppers.

It has promised to help its workers find alternative car parking in the town.

Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, cabinet member for planning and economic development, said it would allow more people to 'enjoy' the town centre.

He said: "A review of staff parking in Dudley car parks has been carried out which has helped us to balance the need for car parking in the town with supporting staff to do their jobs.

"Cabinet approved plans where staff will no longer have parking passes given to them for car parks in the town, which means more than 100 spaces will be available for traders and visitors to the town with a season ticket.

"That, I am sure will be a welcome boost for regular visitors to the town and we will work with staff to highlight alternative car parking. It will save the council £100,000 a year. It will allow more people to enjoy the town centre and be a boost."

It comes as additional spaces will also be created in Stone Street as part of The Traffic Regulation Orders agreement. Bosses say the extra parking will assist in the 'economic viability of the area'.

Eight spaces will be created in Stone Street, providing short term parking bays for shoppers.

Councillor Hilary Bills, who approved the decision, said: "It is part of our policy to get more free on-street parking and encourage trade in the town. Stone Street was a suggestion put forward and one that was welcomed.

"A disabled parking space will also be included within the eight spaces."