FEARS that three Cradley Heath car parks are to be sold off by cash-strapped Sandwell Council have been quashed.

But the council is planning to sell one little used car park in the town and two in Old Hill.

Traders were furious when it was reported the car parks earmarked for closure were in Graingers Lane, Corngreaves Road and Northgate/Prince Street.

They drew up a petition opposing the plans and arranged a meeting for next Tuesday to organise their protest.

Pat Jewkes, from Windsor Hair Design, was relieved when the News told her today there were no plans to close the car parks.

The council has decided to sell the car parks in Lower High Street, Cradley Heath, and Highgate Street South and Haden Road, Old Hill.

Council leader Councillor Darren Cooper said: “The only reason we’re disposing of some of the quieter car parks is they are not well used and are no longer viable to run.

“The pay and display machine at the one in Lower High Street, Cradley Heath, has been vandalised.

“I’m told that Haden Road car park in Old Hill often has just a handful of vehicles on it – sometimes just a single car. The same goes for Highgate Street South which has another bigger car park right opposite which most people use.

“Disposing of these car parks still leaves us with four long stay and one short stay car park in Cradley Heath, and one long stay car park in Old Hill.”