COUNCIL chiefs are introducing a free daily park and walk service in Bewdley to help combat the lack of parking in the town over the summer period.

Wyre Forest District Council is hiring up to 78 free parking spaces at Bewdley High School and Sixth Form Centre in a hope to help boost trade and encourage visitors to the town over the summer holidays.

The new park and walk service will be available seven days a week between July 24, and August 31, from 8am until 8pm.

The council has also teamed up with Wyre Forest Dial-A-Ride to offer an enhanced free park and ride service on Saturdays - initially over the summer period only - while work takes place to extend Load Street car park by creating a new lower level.

Dial-A-Ride will operate a 16-seat minibus shuttle service each Saturday from 10am to 4pm, between Bewdley High School and the standard bus stops in Load Street - on July 29, and August 5, 12, 19 and 26.

The council will shortly be seeking tenders for constructing the new 55-space lower level car park in Load Street - on the site of the now demolished former medical centre and library - but the work will not be completed until after the busy summer period.

Councillor Ian Hardiman, cabinet member for planning and economic regeneration, said: "We are determined to seek the best value solution for local taxpayers and the council, and to move to construction as quickly as possible.

"I would like to thank businesses and local residents for their understanding as we move towards completing this important project for Bewdley."

Councillor Rebecca Vale, cabinet member for operational services, added: "I am pleased we have been able to make temporary arrangements for a 'park and walk' facility at Bewdley High School and Sixth Form Centre to enhance parking capacity in Bewdley during the summer.

"This additional car parking will be available from July 24, to August 31.

"The school is a 15 minute walk from the town and we will be supplementing this with a free shuttle service on Saturdays.

"We will review arrangements for the autumn period once we have confirmation of the schedule of works from the appointed contractor."