PARKING CHARGES plan could hit Sutton Park

Local Councillors have opposed the decision, with a crunch meeting of the City Council's Scrutiny Committee taking place on Monday

Image Credit: Birmingham Conservatives

Labour-run Birmingham City Council have announced this month a plan to introduce car parking charges to several flagship parks across the city, including Sutton Park.

The Cabinet Member for Environment at the Council, Cllr Majid Mahmood (Lab), argues that the plans are required to provide additional income to maintain the parks in question, but local Conservatives have vocally criticised the plans.

Leader of Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council, Simon Ward said, “yet again Birmingham City Council shows a lack of understanding of Sutton Park and a disrespect for the Town Council who it has failed to consult on this ill considered plan.

“Sutton Park covers around 2,400 acres and accessibility in all forms is crucial.”

Raising concerns on behalf of vulnerable groups, he continued, “imposing parking charges will not only penalise the elderly and those with young families who often need to drive both to and within the park but will undoubtedly cause major parking issues around the park.

“Sutton Park is a fantastic and unique place that should be available to the widest audience - not a cash cow for Birmingham City Council.”

Two Conservative Councillors on the City Council are representing their wider colleagues at the Council’s Scrutiny Committee on Monday to challenge the plan.

The Conservatives in Birmingham have also launched a campaign to oppose the plans for parking charges at parks across the city. They are calling on residents to sign their petition here: www.birminghamconservatives.org.uk/campaigns/keep-parking-free-public-parks

The other sites at risk from the plans are Lickey Hills Country Park, Rectory Park, Sheldon Country Park and Woodgate Valley Country Park.