Dozens of trees planted to stop Wednesbury menace parking
Dozens of trees have been planted on grass verges in the Black Country in a bid to stop motorists driving onto them and causing damage.
Up to 30 trees have been installed by the roadside in Hawthorn Road and Myvod Road in Wednesbury after angry residents contacted councillors to take action.
They said huge tyre tracks were visible across the grass verges, with many being left in a muddy mess because of drivers parking on them.
Councillor Elaine Costigan, who represents the Wednesbury North ward, said that 'outrageous parking' had resorted in residents urging for something to stop the 'madness'.
She explained: "It has been ongoing for about 12 months and we needed to do something to sort it out.
"The worst hit roads have been Hawthorn Road and Myvod Road and all three ward councillors felt we needed to do something as the state of the grass verges were atrocious.
"Residents were extremely annoyed how cars would just pull up on them while dropping off and picking up children from school.
"We had a meeting and came up with the idea of planting some trees.
"It was outrageous parking and residents wanted something to be done to stop the madness."
The trees have been planted in the middle of the grass verges to prevent cars from pulling onto the kerb.
It is hoped that grass will also grow back around the trees.
Councillor Costigan said that other methods to stop the drivers had also been suggested.
She added: "There were ideas of putting tarmac on the area or bollards, but then it would take away the greenery and that was not what we wanted to do.
"It can make residents feel happy to look out the window and see green space and the main thing is that now they can enjoy it without inconsiderate drivers ruining it.
"The trees let people know not to park there and so far its done the job - everyone is extremely chuffed."
