£200k car park for station is on track

Work on a £200,000 car park aimed at stopping rail passengers blocking streets in Penkridge is progressing well, council chiefs said today.

The car park in Pinfold Lane is due to be opened in April on a date still to be announced.

Residents hope it will alleviate long-standing parking problems that have blighted the South Staffordshire village. The car park work was started months ago but a link from the site to the railway station had not been put in place due to logistical problems.

But Staffordshire County Council has almost completed the project and say it will announce an opening date shortly.

Villagers have been complaining about commuters parking in side streets, causing congestion and tension in the area for years.

The 60-space car park has eight designated disabled car parking spaces.

The project also includes secure cycle tracks.

Commuters will cross to the station direct from the car park.

Staffordshire County Councillor Veronica Downes, who represents the Penkridge area, today admitted it had been a difficult project.

"It's been a challenging job ensuring that contracts are in place to protect the cables and services which perforate the West Coast Main Line corridor," she said.

"It's been frustrating and time consuming.

"We would like to thank everyone involved, particularly local residents who have endured the daily parking problem from as early as 7am.

"Everyone is looking forward to the opening so much. It is set to alleviate the parking problems to a great extent in Penkridge."

County councillor Robert Marshall, cabinet member for regeneration and infrastructure, added: "This is all about helping people get to work and there has never been a more important time to support employment.

"Penkridge commuters bring vital resources back into Staffordshire from jobs in the city but they want to live in beautiful Staffordshire."