THE owner of a Bromsgrove pub at the centre of a controversial pay-to-park dispute has defended his actions after criticism from residents.

Business partner Ian Hughes, of the Ladybird Inn, Aston Fields, installed a barrier in the pub's car park which he said is regularly filled by people using the train station rather than customers.

Motorists must now buy a 50p token to leave and all money goes to local charities including the Primrose Hospice Cancer Help Centre and the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal.

But the move has angered residents who claim it will be detrimental to householders, businesses and visitors who rely on the car park because of a lack of parking spaces in the area.

Four years ago the pub, formally The Dragoon, was threatened with closure but residents helped to keep the doors open after launching a campaign. The current owners arrived shortly afterwards.

Resident Gerry Cooper said: "When the closure of the pub was imminent four years ago the community rallied round to keep the premises and has maintained support for the Ladybird Inn.

"The owner is showing his contempt for the people, to whom he owes so much.

"The loss of such a large parking area and the custom which it supports will affect the whole the community of Aston Fields."

But Mr Hughes hit back at the claims saying he needed the spaces on the private car park for his customers who use the pub's three conference rooms and money from the scheme was going to local charities. He said five or six spaces had been left free for shoppers.