Wightwick Manor makes Antiques Roadshow parking plea

Extra parking space was today being sought for the 2,000 people expected to flock to Wightwick Manor when the Antiques Roadshow spends a day filming there.

Host Fiona Bruce and a variety of experts from the hit BBC show will visit the historic house in Wolverhampton on July 26. But there are only 140 spaces on its car park and 110 in a nearby paddock. Bosses at the National Trust landmark are now appealing for businesses with parking to chelp provide spaces for the event which is expected to boost tourism.

Smestow School in Windmill Crescent and Wightwick Hall School on Tinacre Hill have been asked to help out. The event takes place during the school holidays.

Staff at Wightwick Manor are also looking into creating a shortcut between Wightwick Hall and the manor through woodland.

Paul Elliott, head teacher of Wightwick Hall, said: "We're still working on the logistics but we hope to get some volunteers involved and use it as a fundraising event for the school, perhaps by charging for parking or by having some stalls on the car park.

"We looked into using our minibuses as a park and ride service but our insurance policy won't let us do that."

John Wood, conservation and engagement manager, said: "People across the Black Country are getting very excited about this.

"Getting into the roadshow will be free. We won't be opening the house on the day, it will just be the gardens. We expect to see thousands of people and it should be a good day for restaurants and possibly hotels if visitors decide to stay over."

People hoping to find out their heirlooms are worth more than they thought can attend between 9.30am and 4.30pm. Anyone in the queue by 4.30pm will meet one of the experts.

People who can offer parking within a 10-minute walk of Wightwick Manor can call 01902 761400 and choose option six.