TRAFFIC chiefs this week confirmed they will be pulling out all the stops to bring extra free on-street parking spaces into being by next week.

Dudley Council has been working up plans to create extra spaces after pleas from town traders – and this week it was announced that existing parking areas on the right hand side of Lower High Street are to be turned into angled bays to create around 25 spaces.

Council bosses say the move will enable almost double the number of cars to park on that side of the one-way street, which offers free parking for up to an hour.

Councillor Pete Lowe, Dudley Council's deputy leader, said: “One of our key priorities is to support the economic growth of the borough and support businesses. We are sure these additional car parking spaces in Stourbridge will be welcomed by traders and shoppers in the town.”

Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, Dudley’s cabinet member for transportation, added: “Dudley Council is the only council in the Black Country and one of a small number of towns and cities across the country that does not charge to park on any of its public roads. We hope this free parking supports local businesses."

The new spaces will mirror the parking style used on the other side of Lower High Street and will replace the existing parallel parking area on the right – which currently provides space for up to 15 cars.

Cllr Ahmed added: "This will take total on-street free car parking in Lower High Street to around 69 spaces. We are always looking at ways to support local businesses and this common sense move will be carried out this weekend at a cost of around £150.”

The extra spaces are expected to be ready for use by Bank Holiday Monday (August 25).