In Sandwell Council’s view they have now finally been successful in introducing parking charges (April 11) in Old Hill & Cradley Heath.

We are told this was necessary in order to bring both towns in line with the rest of the borough and yet they were happy to allow a “lengthy public consultation period” prior to the final decision. Now it turns out, despite the objections of many residents, businesses, retailers and customers, the proposal has been approved.

Sandwell’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services, Cllr Ian Jones, blamed Government cuts but I was surprised he said the council received a handful of objections!

In Old Hill two petitions were raised both objecting to the proposal and citing the negative effect it would bring on trade and the inconvenience potential on-street parking would bring upon residents. The petitions had a combined total of more than 1,000 signatures and were presented to the council in advance of the meeting. Surely this cannot be regarded as a ‘handful of people’?

Sandwell Council believes the introduction of parking charges will help them recover some costs for maintaining car parks however, in doing so, what they have overlooked is the much greater drop in business rates revenue through the potential loss of trade as a consequence of their decision.

Liz Bowler Old Hill