Dudley trader offers to buy car park as charge hike hits

Primark worker 'in tears' after £1.50-a-day parking charge hike

A Dudley trader has offered to buy a town centre car park after a shock decision to increase charges was met with fury.

Primark worker Vicky Hemming said she was "in tears" after learning she would have to pay £1.50 a day for parking - or face a four-mile round trip from the nearest free car park.

Now tyre business owner James Westwood has written to Dudley Council offering to buy the land opposite his premises in Stone Street so he can offer free parking for customers.

'Hammer blow'

"It's a hammer blow for the town," said Mr Westwood.

"I have written to the council offering to buy the car park as I need to make sure my customers have somewhere free to park.

"I had one customer on the phone in tears saying she will lose £100 a month from her wages as she won't be able to afford the parking charges."