BROMSGROVE District Council has been forced to temporarily close its Churchfields Multi-storey car park due to significant and ‘dangerous’ anti-social behaviour.
The unruly actions at the start of the week included arson, vandalism, graffiti, and the throwing of large objects off the top of the car park, including a glazed door, a bike, and a shopping trolley.
The car park was shut on Wednesday until further notice.
Deputy Leader of the council, Coun Geoff Denaro, said: “We have had to make the difficult decision to close the multi-storey for the foreseeable future after a series of potentially dangerous incidents in the car park. The safety of our residents is paramount and will always come first.
“Over the past year or more our teams, including Community Safety, Parking and Engineering and Design – as well as partners such as the Police and Asda – have made significant efforts to reduce antisocial behaviour in this area but unfortunately the persistent and inconsiderate actions of a small number of people have led to it being necessary to close this car park for the time being.
“We apologise to all the regular users of this car park for the inconvenience caused and we will keep you updated on the situation, as and when we know more.”
All valid permits for Churchfields Car Park will be honoured and permit holders will be able to park on Recreation Road South instead.
Shopmobility will still be operating from the usual location within the multi-storey.
Users of this service are asked to continue pre-booking but to park at Rec Rd South instead and collect their equipment from the usual pick-up point.
West Mercia Police said it had received an increasing number of anti-social behaviour reports from the car park over the last two weeks, including large items being thrown from the top of the car park which presented a danger to passers-by.
Bromsgrove Safer Neighbourhood Team officers are currently reviewing local CCTV to identify the people involved in these incidents.
Insp Richard Field said “We work very closely with the local authority and other agencies to address anti-social behaviour and have mechanisms in place to discuss and address such issues.”
He added his team had stepped up patrols and was working hard to identify those responsible.
