Planned car meet at Wolverhampton bar sparks concerns as organisers move to reassure residents

Drivers have been invited to attend the car meet and BBQ at The Garden Bar on Birmingham New Road at 1pm on Monday, May 1.

The bar is encouraging owners of vintage vehicles, super cars, and modified vehicles to attend and show off their motors to other petrolheads.

Since the event was advertised, residents living nearby have expressed their concerns over the event including noise, disruption and the possibility of racing.

However, the bar's owners have moved to reassure residents racing will not be encouraged at the static car meet, which they have described as a family-friendly event.

They also added there would be "a no racing or revving rule", and anyone doing so will be asked to leave immediately.

A spokesperson for The Garden Bar said: "The car meet has been specifically organised to be carried out when the surrounding areas will not be affected by any sort of traffic disruption.

"The event is a static car meet therefore any visitors who attend will not be going from place to place. We will not be encouraging racing or revving of vehicles at any time, and any persons carrying out these will be asked to leave the event immediately.

"A disclaimer form will be handed out to any persons who attend to ensure that these type of things will not happen.

"We have put a lot of time and effort in organising a free event whereby like minded individuals are able to show their pride and joy to the local public.

"We have purposely made it a free event so that families are able to bring their children along to see their dream cars and potentially sit in them and/or take photos.

"We take on board the concerns from the local residents and endeavour to work alongside them to ensure there is a smooth running to the event."

Residents who had expressed concern included Andy Morris, who lives on Grosvenor Road. Andy said: "I think the main concern here is over how many cars will turn up. Obviously the noise and disruption could be huge and the Birmingham New Road could be blocked up.

"I know it is only supposed to be a meet but the worry is what if racing starts afterwards. It would be good to get some reassurance over this."

Catherine Molineux, who lives on Woodcross Street, added: "I think as long as it is organised and there aren't too many cars it would be ok, but I do feel worried about the crowds that could turn up as it is on a Bank Holiday and the possibility of any trouble happening afterwards."

Others have taken to Facebook to express their concerns.

One resident said: "The Birmingham New Road is terrible with car cruisers and racing, loads of accidents on the junction by Spring Vale Library, including fatal accidents and that's the same stretch of road. It just seems irresponsible to me, it just doesn't seem like an appropriate venue or location for this sort of thing."

However, another added: "Why are there concerns? Surely if everyone and the hosts act accordingly then there will be no issue."

A West Midlands police spokesperson said: "We are aware of plans for a car meet at The Garden Bar in Birmingham Road, Lanesfield, on May 1 and our local teams are speaking with the venue ahead of the event.

"We know how disruptive large gatherings can be and we work with partners to ensure organised events meet licensing standards, minimise disruption and are safe.

We'd remind all drivers that there is a street racing ban in force across the Black Country and anyone breaching it could face penalties including imprisonment, a fine or an order to have their assets seized."