PARKING problems around Bromsgrove railway station are set to ease after it was agreed commuters can use a nearby social club.

Bromsgrove District Council's executive cabinet has taken moves to allow train users to park at Aston Fields Social Club, in Stoke Road. The decision should help ease the on-going parking problem near the station for commuters and residents alike.

Last year the council looked at the possibility of using land south of the station as a temporary car park to help ease the congestion.

However, inquires to English Welsh Scottish Railways (EWS) and Network Rail came to nothing.

After this the council approached Bromsgrove Cricket, Hockey and Tennis Club, in St Godwalds Road, Bromsgrove Rugby Club, in Finstall Road, Bromsgrove Rovers Football Club, and Aston Fields Social Club, to help solve the problem.

All the venues agreed to offer their facilities for possible additional parking for the station, but it was decided the social club would be the better option due to cost and location.

Aston Fields Social Club has offered its car park on a seven-day week basis with no daily time restrictions. The car park can provide around 130 spaces and has lighting and CCTV surveillance. The lighting at the facility will be improved and the car park resurfaced before it comes into use. The work will cost around £35,000.

Councillor Margaret Taylor (Con-Linthurst), portfolio holder for planning, said: "The parking problem there is intolerable. New pay and display machines at the station have helped, but extra space is needed. The decision to use Aston Fields Social Club is welcomed and a step in the right direction. However, negotiations are still underway for future plans to help the problem further.