COMMUTERS returning to work following their Easter break were greeted to the sight of 223 extra car parking spaces on offer at Stourbridge Junction.

It brings the total number of free car parking spaces to over 1,000 following a £900,000 investment by public transport co-ordinator Centro.

The increased number of spaces now makes Stourbridge Junction one of the largest train stations of its type in the region.

And the extension will also come as a welcome relief to local residents as commuters have crammed surrounding roads to Stourbridge Junction when the existing car park was full.

Centro spokesman Cllr Roger Horton said: "Stourbridge Junction had become a victim of its own success and was often full to capacity by the end of the morning rush hour, which was due to the free Park and Ride scheme.

"The extension should make it even easier for people to use the train for the majority of their daily commute."

The work, which was completed on time and within budget, includes the installation of low energy lighting, CCTV cameras and a covered walkway along the entire length of the car park.

It has also been equipped with electric vehicle charging points which are located close to the station building, along with help points linked to the network safety and security centre.

The additional spaces have also received the backing of Labour's Mohammed Hanif, who hopes to retain his Lye seat in the forthcoming local election.

He said: "Commuters and residents have told me how they have been inconvenienced by rail users parking outside their homes.

"This extension should help ease that problem, so it's great news all round."