MARKET traders in Brierley Hill were thrilled to hear that a free parking trial has been extended.

Shoppers visiting Dudley Council car parks in Brierley Hill, Dudley, Halesowen and Sedgley have been able to enjoy up to two hours of free parking since April 24.

The trial was due to end on Sunday (July 2), but council bosses have now decided to keep it going until the end of August.

The news has delighted stallholders at Brierley Hill Market Hall, who started a petition to make the short-stay free parking to the rear of the hall a permanent fixture.

Stallholder turned caretaker Frank Chamberlain said more than 200 people signed the petition, which was handed to the Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Dave Tyler, during his trip to the market on Saturday.

Mr Chamberlain said it was "wonderful" to hear about the extension, adding that the traders would use the time to continue their fight to keep the car park, off Cottage Street, free.

He added: "Now that the message is getting out there we have seen an increase in shoppers, especially younger families."

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the council, told the News: “We couldn’t let the trial just come to a sudden end as that wouldn’t have been right to all the shoppers who have been taking advantage of it across the borough.

“We have decided to extend it for another two months. This will allow the council officers to analyse the data which has been collected, as well as speak to local traders, to see if it is something that would be feasible to keep on for the long term.

“Initial feedback from the public and businesses has been that it’s had a positive impact on footfall in the high streets, which is always a good sign.”

The motion to trial free parking in the borough was first put forward by UKIP in 2016, before being unanimously backed by all councillors in December.

Dudley’s UKIP group leader, Cllr Paul Brothwood, said: “From everything we have seen and been told by shoppers and traders they are very much in favour of keeping free parking going permanently.

“Our town centre businesses are having to compete very hard with Merry Hill to attract shoppers and free parking is one of the ways in which the council can help them do that.

“We hope the council sees sense to keep it going in the future.”

People who want to take advantage of the extended trial will need to print and display a free parking ticket from the machines which are already in place.

Normal charges will apply for people parking for longer than two hours and return is prohibited within three hours of leaving.