PARKING charges are set to return for visitors to Himley Hall and Park next week.

Dudley Council had temporarily suspended the fees during the coronavirus crisis, but charges will return on Monday, June 8.

Park staff will also monitor visitor numbers and will restrict entry if necessary to help maintain social distancing.

The move comes after large numbers of people visited the beauty spot during the recent warm weather.

Fishing charges at the lake will also be reinstated, council bosses have announced.

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the council, said: "The decision to suspend parking charges at the start of the lockdown was always intended to be a temporary one.

"With the government starting to gradually ease lockdown measures, and charges being re-introduced at facilities by neighbouring local authorities, we felt now was the right time to follow suit.

"The recent spell of warm weather has seen really high visitor numbers to the park, and we will be monitoring this closely to make sure people are adhering to the government’s social distancing guidelines.

"We want people to enjoy their visit to Himley, but to do so safely."