Pub landlord 'inundated' after free parking offer

A pub landlord who opened up his car park to visitors at a nearby beauty spot after a hike in parking charges says he has been "inundated" with motorists.

John Coombes, who runs the Summerhouse pub, says visitors are boycotting the car park at Baggeridge Country Park, near Sedgley, following a recent rise in charges.

And many are now opting to leave their cars at the pub, in Gospel End, after Mr Coombes agreed to let country park visitors use the facilities there for free over the winter months.

He said he hoped the response would convince South Staffordshire Council to reconsider the charges and reduce them before the summer months.

He said charity regularly using the country park for events had also approached him asking if they, too, could use his car park.

Regular users of the country park were left fuming after the authority increased a day's parking at Baggeridge from £1.40 to £2.50. An hour's parking rate has also been introduced at £1.50.

Mr Coombes said: "The response to the pub allowing its car park to be used has been incredible with many visitors choosing to park here instead of at Baggeridge," he said.

Mr Coombes said people did not have to visit the pub to use the car park but admitted there had been a rise in trade.

But South Staffordshire Council said visitors were still using the car park.

Spokesman Jamie Angus said: "The park is as popular as ever and we have seen a rise in the number of people taking up our offer on season passes.

"People can buy a six month permit for just £18. This works out at around 10p a day which is pretty good value."