A POPULAR Halesowen greasy spoon which has served local workers for decades has been saved after parking problems threatened its closure.

The Pumphouse Cafe, Forge Lane, had been hit hard by customers being unable to park due to students at Halesowen College parking outside all day preventing regulars getting their nosh.

However, bacon butty fan Halesowen North Councillor Jeff Hill stepped in to save the day to help bring the customers back to the 21-year-old Pumphouse.

After lobbying Dudley Council restrictions have been introduced limiting parking outside the cafe to a maximum of one hour giving regulars the chance to polish off a full English and a couple of cups of tea.

Alan Lovell, Pumphouse owner said: "Over the last few years we've had lots of problems with customers being unable to park.

“These new restrictions will stop people from parking in front of the cafe all day, but give our customers enough time to pop in for a quick bite to eat.

“I would like to thank Cllr Jeff Hill and Dudley Council for their hard work in getting the rules changed".

Cllr Hill is delighted his favourite cafe is now thriving again after the intervention. He said: "The Pumphouse Cafe is popular with workers and customers from the nearby businesses, as well as local residents. The cafe is a vital part of the community and I was delighted to be able to help them."