STOURBRIDGE’S Ryemarket multi-storey car park is to close at night times to help put a stop to anti-social behaviour.

Dudley Council bosses say they have reinstated night time closures of the car park, which forms part of the Ryemarket shopping centre, as only 360 cars parked there at night throughout the year.

The opening hours were extended to replace the evening capacity lost when Bell Street car park was demolished to make way for the new Tesco store in the Crown Centre.

But the run-down looking Ryemarket car park has become a hot spot for anti-social behaviour such as drug dealing and vandalism.

Earlier this year the council said it was considering placing a Public Space Protection Order on the car park to prohibit the dealing and use of drugs, illegal highs and alcohol, throwing objects from upper levels of the car park, the use of skateboards, graffiti, damage of the building and a ban preventing under 18s from entering the car park unless driving a road legal vehicle or accompanying a responsible adult.

A consultation regarding the PSP order is still ongoing but in addition the council has now decided to close the facility entirely in the evenings - so it will only be open from 6.30am to 8.30pm Monday to Saturday and from 9am to 5pm on Sundays.

Councillor Hilary Bills, Dudley’s cabinet member for environmental services, said: “I’m disappointed we have been forced to make the decision to close the car park at night due to the negative behaviour of a few individuals.

“There are still car parking options in the town centre at night, but it is a shame we have had to close the facility because of the actions of a few people.

“If there was an increased demand for parking for one off occasions, such as Christmas fayres or big shows in town, then on request the car park will stay open.”

Stourbridge councillor Nic Barlow said: "If it keeps the anti-social behaviour out of there it should be a good thing. I don't see there's any problem with it being shut at night.

"If they're going to turn off the lights and make it more secure that's a bonus for everybody and it means the police haven't got to keep wandering down there."