New parking bays to stop cars clogging up Walsall streets
A total of 50 new parking spaces will be created in a move to alleviate the problem of cars clogging up streets in a Walsall neighbourhood.
It is hoped the creation of new spaces will help tackle long-running parking problems on some streets in The Butts.
Walsall Housing Group has been given permission to create new parking at Austin House, a 16-storey block of flats in Upper Forster Street.
Ground surrounding the WHG-owned tower block will be resurfaced to create 33 parking spaces.
A further 17 new car parking spaces on Upper Forster Street and Butts Street, which are both close to Walsall town centre, will also be created.
The move has today been welcomed. Councillor Mohammed Arif, representative for St Matthew's ward, said the flats had only nine parking spaces for more than 60 residents.
"These spaces are absolutely essential for people living in the area and will be welcomed with more than open arms," he said.
"Hopefully this will alleviate the long running problems of town centre parking, people leaving their cars in those streets and walking into the town centre."
Councillor Arif said people had been campaigning for better parking facilities in The Butts for several years and had held numerous public meetings.
He added: "There is still a lot more to be done to try and tackle parking issues in the area."
Currently it is believed a lack of parking is forcing residents of the tower block to park in the roads nearby, in what is already a built-up area.
Planning officers who approved the scheme under delegated powers said it would enhance the area.
David Elsworthy, head of planning at Walsall Council, said: "The provision of further off street car parking for local residents outside Austin House is welcomed and will improve highway safety by removing vehicles from the main highway and alleviate existing parking issues on the adjacent streets around Austin House, namely Butts Street and Upper Forster Street."
The new parking on Butts Street and Upper Forster Street will not be restricted.
The streets also surround Walsall Housing Group's new £6.5 million headquarters.
The building, known as 100 Hatherton, backs on to The Butts and is home to hundreds of housing group staff.
Austin House has recently been undergoing a £3 million multi-coloured revamp.
The well-known tower block now boasts chameleon boards on its sides, meaning they light up and change colour depending on the time of the day.
