Pub boss car park offer for ramblers

A pub landlord will let people use his car park for free after charges at a nearby country park increased by 78 per cent, he said today.

The price hike being introduced at Baggeridge Country Park, near Sedgley, has left ramblers and dog walkers furious and sparked fears for the future of a tea shop based there.

But owner of the nearby Summer House pub John Coombes today said visitors to the beauty spot could use his 80-space car park free-of-charge in winter months.

And he insisted they do not have to use the pub, in Gospel End Road.

South Staffordshire Council has put up the cost of a day's parking from £1.40 to £2.50. An hour's parking rate has been introduced, costing £1.50.

Boycott

At nearby Himley Hall parking is 90p for two hours or £1.30 all day.

Visitors have threatened to boycott the country park, while Dave Daly, aged 41, and his wife, Julie, 42, who run the Baggeridge Tea Shop, are worried about the future of their business.

Mr Coombes, 57, said: "It is a complete rip-off and we are quite happy to let people use our car park during the winter. Hopefully that will help them make the council realise that people are not willing to pay these prices.

"I know Dave and Julie, they're a great couple and they don't deserve this. It's difficult enough for businesses at the moment so we need to help each other out when we can."

The council blamed the hikes on "tough times".