CARS abandoned for more than a week will be removed and destroyed by Redditch Council to stem the rising problem, writes Julian Seva.

The authority deals with about 2,000 reports of abandoned vehicles each year and last year disposed of 516.

Now a sticker will be placed on cars informing the owner what will happen and if after seven days the car has not been removed, then it will be destroyed.

The council will now only store cars of a certain value.

The council is now working closely with the police and fire brigade to share information on the problem and will be working more closely with the DVLA regarding unlicensed vehicles in the near future.

Measures are also being investigated on how to use new powers to remove and destroy abandoned vehicles within 24 hours.