More than 100 people sign petition over plan to sell off public car park in Stourbridge

The small car park, next to the former Stourbridge Royal British Legion building, offers free parking and is used regularly by local shoppers and residents.

But it’s understood that cash-strapped Dudley Council plans to put the site on its list of assets to dispose of.

Councillor Andrew Tromans, who represents the Wollaston and Stourbridge Town ward on Dudley Council, has warned the loss of the car park would have a “negative impact on residents and local businesses”.

The concerned councillor announced on Wednesday September 10 that he was starting an online petition - urging for a rethink on the plan, and it has already amassed more than 100 signatures.

He said on his Facebook page: “On Friday, I was made aware of a proposal to put the public car park on Enville Street on the council's disposals list.

“This can only have a negative impact on residents and local businesses.

“I am asking the council to not consider this asset for sale and resurface the car park too.

“We need the whole community and local representatives of all different stripes to get behind this.”

He urged other key figures in the community to get behind his campaign and call for the site, opposite the new BYD dealership and the Royal Exchange Bathams pub, to remain as a car park.

Dudley Council said no decision has been made yet.

Councillor Phil Atkins, cabinet member for development and regulation at the council, said:

“We have been approached and asked if the council is prepared to sell the site. As with all such approaches we are following due process to see if the site is considered to be surplus to requirement. This is an internal process and no decision has been made on it.”

Residents can add their names to the online Save the Enville Street Car Park petition by going to https://dudley.cmis.uk.com/E-Petitions.aspx