A DEAL has been struck to lease a council-owned pay and display car park in Old Hill to The Regis conference and banqueting suite.

Sandwell Council has agreed to hand over the reins of the car park to The Regis after the authority deemed keeping it open as not being ‘financially viable’.

But instead of selling off the land in Haden Road – which was considered – the lease will enable the council to help the business and its customers.

Councillor Paul Moore, the council's cabinet member for regeneration and economic investment, said: “This is a very good arrangement because the car park was under-used and the money raised by motorists did not the cover the council’s maintenance costs.

“If the car park was closed permanently it would inadvertently cause problems to a local business and its employees and customers.”

The owner of The Regis, Tony Billingham, had talks about leasing the car park for his customers, which will now offer suitable parking provision to customers opposite the suite.

Mr Billingham, who will now be responsible for repairs and maintenance of the car park, added: “I am delighted this leasing arrangement has been agreed because it will be very helpful to our business and our patrons.

“It is a sensible conclusion which benefits us and the council.”