Business owner offered to buy car park from Dudley Council

Steve Williams, from Sound Junkies, told Dudley Council he was willing to purchase Level Street car park after councillors cancelled two hours of free parking and put up charges.

Since the charges came into force at the start of October, Mr Williams, whose Dudley Road rehearsal studios are next to the car park,  says he has seen a big drop in business.

Mr Williams said: “I offered Dudley Council to buy the land and have it as my own car park but they told me it’s not for sale.

“If I didn’t think it would affect me I wouldn’t offer to dig into my own pockets and go and buy the car park.”

Although the music complex has its own parking Mr Williams says it is not enough and the neighbouring car park provides essential extra spaces.

Bank Street Car Park in Brierley Hill. Picture: Martyn Smith/LDRS

Since charging for the first two hours was introduced on the council car park bands are staying away until they can park for free after 7pm or going elsewhere.

Mr Williams, who has invested £200,000 in Sound Junkies, added: “On Sundays, we used to have 15 to 20 bands, now two weeks ago, it was three bands, and last Sunday, it was six bands.

“I get the council has got to make money but they are doing it in the wrong places.

“Put council tax and business rates up but don’t start keeping our customers away.”

Retailers are also concerned about a new parking ban on the High Street.

A ban on stopping to shop on Brierley Hill High Street has been introduced. Picture: Martyn Smith/LDRS

Luke Nawaz from A1 Motor Spares said: “It has had a massive effect, we have had a drop in trade of 30 to 40 percent, that is almost half or our retail business gone.

“People used to be able to pop in, they are not able to do that now.”

The changes by Dudley Council are part of a parking strategy which aims to encourage people to use public transport instead but Mr Nawaz believes motorists still need to be catered for.

He said: “Public transport has always been there but we have to have a fair share of everything.

“We need to get the basics right, we are asking for a couple of hours of free parking.”

A second phase of parking reforms is due next year and councillors have hinted this may include measures to ease the concerns of traders.

Wayne Lewis from Smart Simple Repairs is calling for a permit for traders to park for free

Wayne Lewis, owner of Smart Simple Repairs on Brierley Hill High Street, says it is not just shoppers who are feeling the pain because traders also have to pay for parking.

Mr Lewis said: “I am here for 12 hours a day, why can’t we be given a permit as traders to park on a council car park for free – we are making a contribution to the High Street.”

Cllr Matt Cook in Brierley Hill High Street. Picture: Martyn Smith/LDRS

Brierley Hill councillor Matt Cook said: “Brierley Hill has seen a well-needed five million pounds in regeneration, which includes the refurbishment of the High Street, library and public spaces.

“Regeneration is not going to be used because people are not going to come.

“I speak to locals and businesses daily; they are gravely concerned for the future of their High Street.”