Merry Hill parking charge would damage region say critics

Parking charges at the Black Country's Merry Hill Shopping Centre would spell disaster for the region's economy, driving shoppers elsewhere, campaigners warned today.

The free parking currently on offer at the Brierley Hill centre could be withdrawn in as little as two years under council-imposed restrictions which mean the centre cannot expand unless charges are introduced.

Critics say shoppers often travel from further afield attracted by the unlimited free parking – but that this custom could be lost if the incentive is removed.

Dudley South MP Chris Kelly has spoken out about the proposals, and said he will be meeting with senior managers at the Westfield-owned mall and bosses the the company headquarters in London in the hope of finding a way around the restrictions.

"I am opposed, on principle, to the introduction of parking charges at the Merry Hill and will be taking the matter up with Westfield's management," he said.