No parking move for Albion supporters

Baggies fans are set to be banned from parking in the shadow of The Hawthorns under a new clampdown that will see double yellow lines painted on roads near the club.

For years fans have parked in their spaces and blocked driveways. But now plans costing £20,000 have been drawn up for double yellow lines and signage in two zones near to West Bromwich Albion's ground, after complaints.

The zones will be around the Albion estate and a cluster of roads in Smethwick including Kimberley Road and Beacon Close.

The proposals have been submitted to the council for consideration and bosses are hoping Albion chiefs will match-fund the scheme to the tune of £10,000.

St Paul's ward Councillor Paramjit Randhawa, who has fought for measures for years, said: "We want to put lines and signs in informing supporters they cannot park in front of residences, and have talked with police and the highways department.

"There have been problems for years with access because of match day parking. I remember one woman had to have her baby at home because the ambulance could not get down the road."