BUSINESSES in Bewdley threatened with the loss of all 168 spaces in the Dog Lane car park while work to install a new flood barrier goes ahead have been granted a partial reprieve.

The Environment Agency, which had served notice on Wyre Forest District Council of its intention to occupy the whole car park with cabins and equipment - reduced last week to 78 spaces - announced on Tuesday a further cut in the number of spaces lost to 62, from Monday to Friday, and 46 at weekends.

Councillor Pauline Hayward, district transportation portfolio holder, said: "It is very good to see common sense has prevailed and we have been able to avert what would have been a very difficult situation.

"The contractor has agreed to work with us to minimise the spaces lost in the run-up to Christmas." The work is expected to take until May.

She added the council had also implemented other measures aimed at easing parking problems. She said signs were being put up throughout the town, encouraging people to use the Gardeners Meadow park, while 10 spaces had been freed up by the re-siting of recycling banks at the coach park.

Police have warned while they will act with discretion while work was being carried out, obstruction of the highway and inconsiderate parking would not be condoned.