Battle over car park charges stepped up

Opposition to controversial plans to introduce car parking charges in Wednesbury are gathering pace after more than 5,000 people signed a petition.

Sandwell Council's neighbourhoods chief Councillor Mahboob Hussain backed proposals to introduce pay and display parking in the town last month.

But the proposals are still out for consultation and Councillor Hussain said he will be reviewing the charges and taking all objections into consideration. Wednesbury North councillor Mavis Hughes said: "I am delighted that so many people have backed the petition and it shows that if people pull together then they do have a voice.

"The people of Wednesbury are determined to fight this."

Traders in the town say they are concerned people will stop shopping in Wednesbury and will choose to travel to Bilston or the Merry Hill shopping centre where parking is free. The charges were initially approved last month and will be brought in at car parks in Albert Street, High Bullen, Ridding Lane, Spring Head, Upper High Street and The Shambles.

On-street parking will be introduced in Albert Street and parts of Stafford Street and Victoria Street.

Parking costs will range from 20p for one hour up to £1 for more than four hours. One-month season tickets will cost £15. The Express & Star also revealed last week that Morrisons in the town may also introduce charges on its car park in order to follow the council's lead.

Morrisons says it may have to introduce charging in line with council policy under the terms of an agreement when the store was built. It has not been confirmed whether customers using the store would get a discount for shopping there.

Measures being considered include introducing charges between 8am and 5pm Monday to Saturday.