NEGOTIATIONS are under way for a new £2.5m multi-storey car park to be built in Dudley town centre.

Dudley Council intends to borrow the cash to pay for a 250 space car park, which would be built in Tower Street.

Discussions are still in the early stages but council bosses say the plan is a response to pleas from visitors and traders for more parking.

Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, cabinet member for transportation, said: "It is a very important part of our overall plan to increase the number of people shopping in Dudley and providing first class facilities for visitors, businesses, shoppers and college students.

“We understand the concerns of people about the need for extra car parking and this shows that we are listening to what people have to say and acting on it.”

The announcement comes as the council is currently working on a new £6million market place in the town centre. There are also plans for a new supermarket and other improvements to the historic town centre.

A feasibility study is under way and councillors hope work can begin during 2015. If approved the new car park will be close to shops, the market place and tourist attractions at Castle Hill.

Cllr Ahmed revealed the plans at the council’s budget meeting on March 3, the proposals are set to be debated at a meeting of the authority’s cabinet on Wednesday March 12.