TRADERS in Old Hill are calling for Sandwell Council to drop unpopular plans to introduce parking charges for the first time saying the move would put shops out of business.

The council wants to scrap free parking and bring in a 40p an hour charge on its car parks on Halesowen Road and Reddal Hill Road.

Old Hill Traders Association has started a petition against the proposal, which has caused concerns amongst businesses and shoppers alike.

The petition already has hundreds of names on it.

Association secretary Linda Wilson, of Digital Photo Shop, Halesowen Road, said the move would be disastrous for Old Hill.

She said: “They are trying to encourage people to shop locally, but by bringing in parking charges they will just push people to Merry Hill where parking is free.

“It will have a huge effect on trade - we are really concerned about it and so are shoppers.

“Old Hill has suffered terribly - every shop is down on Christmas takings this year and this will make things even worse.

“It’s also a lot of money for people to pay who work in the town and use the car parks.

“A year’s parking pass will cost £175.”

Mohammed Sajid, owner of Sajid News, said: “It would be really bad for trade.

“At the moment shoppers can take their time and visit a host of stores, but if they start charging people will avoid Old Hill and it could put some shops out of business.

“People could also start parking in side roads where they could create hazards.”

Cabinet member for neighbourhood services Councillor Ian Jones said the charges were to bring the town’s car parks in line with others run by the council across the borough.

He added: "This has only been done after a full consultation which very few people resonded to.

"It should also be remembered that parking charges in Sandwell are among the lowest in the West Midlands."