A LYE councillor is hoping to see a derelict town car park turned into a play area to help keep bored kids off the streets.

Councillor Mohammed Hanif this week met with residents and representatives from Dudley Council to set the ball rolling and plans are now afoot to set up a new Friends group to kick-start a campaign to turn the council-owned former parking area off Valley Road into a space for the community to enjoy.

Cllr Hanif (Labour) said: "This car park has been derelict for about six to eight years. It's overgrown with trees and bushes. I would like to see it put to some use - with some swings and benches put in.

"I want to get children off the streets and into that area where they can do their own thing.

"There's a park at Wollescote but it's quite some distance away.

"We've been told the way forward is to set up a properly constituted Friends group so that we can start asking for funding.

"I will obviously consult with people in streets nearby, by putting out leaflets or knocking doors, as we need to look for volunteers."

Any members of the public interested in helping to bring the play area plan to fruition can contact Cllr Hanif on 07779 623975 or email cllr.mohammed.hanif@dudley.gov.uk