STOURBRIDGE MP Margot James has launched a petition calling for action to be taken over the car parking problems in Mary Stevens Park.

Visitors to the Norton park have found it increasingly difficult to obtain parking spaces since Dudley Council moved almost 250 children's services staff into buildings on the site last year.

The move led to a barrage of complaints from regular park visitors - and Ms James has now launched an online petition calling for something to be done.

She said: "I know how important Mary Stevens Park is to local residents and I find it completely unacceptable that their access is being so restricted.

"Mary Stevens Park is there to be enjoyed by local residents and their families and the car parking spaces should not be monopolised by council staff."

Councillor Tim Crumpton, Dudley's cabinet member for children's services, says he's "already apologised for the situation" and he added: "We are happy to work with the Friends of the Park to try and find additional parking spaces. I have also asked staff not to park on the car park to the left of the entrance.

"Parking has always been a problem at Mary Stevens Park, especially at the height of the summer.

"By moving children's services to Mary Stevens Park we've managed to save £200,000 as the department was previously scattered over 12 sites across the borough.

"Everyone knows the council has to make savings as a result of cuts in government funding.

"With children's services staff now centralised and working more efficiently, and also cost effectively on the one site, we are also able to provide a better service to vulnerable children and their families."

To sign the petition go to www.margotjames.com/petition or people can call Ms James's office on 01384 370574 to have their name added.