Traders' fury at parking charges

Wednesbury will no longer have free parking in future after controversial charges were formally approved today.

Sandwell Council is expected to rake in up to £30,000 in the first year alone when the new pay and display charges at six of the town's car parks come into force within the next two months.

The parking charges were today approved by Sandwell's neighbourhood's chief, Councillor Mahboob Hussain, at his neighbourhoods and housing committee at Sandwell Council House in Oldbury.

The proposals however have been met with outrage from traders who fear it could cripple their already struggling businesses. After hearing the decision, trader Aaron Sheldon from Bojangles jewellers in Market Place, said: "It's ridiculous. Just when we are struggling at our most they come and add another hazard to the town that is only going to deter more customers when the traders are desperate for more custom.

"It makes no sense. They want people to increase their spending. How is it going to increase people coming to spend money when they are going to have to outlay more money just to get here?

"Why would they want to do that to a town that needs more customers?"

Car parks in Albert Street, High Bullen, Ridding Lane, Spring Head, Upper High Street and The Shambles will all charge.

On-street parking in Albert Street and parts of Stafford Street and Victoria Street will also be introduced.

Charges are set to range from 20p for one hour up to £1 for more than four hours. One-month season tickets will cost £15.

Wednesbury Councillor Bill Archer, said: "I think it's rather sad because why can't little towns like Wednesbury be left to get on with their business? The last thing we need to do is make people have to worry about parking."