New parking bays by £4m Walsall centre will go ahead

There have been long-running complaints about traffic clogging up space outside the new village centre, in Pelsall, which was officially opened last year.

Highway chiefs want to realign the layout of High Street to improve road safety and ease jams.

This will mean the removal of three disabled bays but new spaces will be created on the opposite side of the road. A limited stay area will also be created in nearby Ash Tree Road for two new bays in between existing yellow lines.

Under the scheme a mini-island at the junction with Norton Road will be reduced in width to create extra room for passing traffic and to alleviate clogging.

It is hoped that the work will be completed along with resurfacing of the carriageway by December.

Pelsall ward representative Councillor Marco Longhi, has been working with highways officers on the project.

He said the changes will encourage other drivers to use the large car park beside the complex instead of leaving their cars at the front, blocking passing vehicles.

"We wanted to take the opportunity to make the changes working with the highways team because the road is going to be realigned. We thought it would be a good idea to ask the officers what other improvements could be made to ease the congestion in that area at busy times.

"We have looked at a number of options. Some people asked if we could put in more slanted bays, but there simply isn't enough room to have those on both sides of the road.

"Reducing the width of the island at the southern entrance of High Street will allow more space for passengers to get out of their cars without blocking vehicles wishing to drive pass. There will be a disabled parking bay adjacent to the clock for those wishing to use shops on Norton Road.

"We just have to work within the constraints of the physical space that there is and off course with road safety in mind," Councillor Longhi said.

Notices will now go up in the village regarding the changes which follow a public consultation exercise.

The centre, which incorporates a health centre, a library and a children's centre, was officially opened by the Duke of Wessex.

Councillor Longhi said existing yellow lines, including where the paint may have worn away in recent years, will be retained. Work on Pelsall Village Centre was finally completed last year after a campaign for improved facilities.