Parking charges are to be reinstated for visitors to Himley Hall and Park next week, it was revealed today.

The charge had been suspended during the coronavirus crisis, but visitors will have to pay again from Monday 8th June.

Fishing charges are also being re-instated and, in line with government guidelines on social distancing, park staff will be monitoring visitor numbers and restricting entry if necessary during busy periods. Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the council, said:

"The decision to suspend parking charges at the start of the lockdown was always intended to be a temporary one. With the government starting to gradually ease lockdown measures, and charges being re-introduced at facilities by neighbouring local authorities, we felt now was the right time to follow suit.

"The recent spell of warm weather has seen really high visitor numbers to the park, and we will be monitoring this closely to make sure people are adhering to the government’s social distancing guidelines. We want people to enjoy their visit to Himley, but to do so safely."