TICKET machines will be back up and running in Wyre Forest Council-run car parks after criticism app and online-only payments were "bordering on discrimination".

Wyre Forest District Council reinstated car parking charges this week for all except on-duty NHS and social care staff, but took the decision not to accept cash payments in an effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus by people touching pay and display machines.

Announcing the move last month, cabinet member for operational services Councillor John Thomas said "it would simply not be safe" to allow the machines to be used, prompting a backlash from residents and Conservative councillors who said the decision had been made "without any consideration" for people who don't own a smart phone, and was "bordering on discrimination".

Councillors in Bewdley and Stourport also criticised the Progressive Alliance-led council for not offering some free parking to attract shoppers back to the towns.

Now, Wyre Forest Council has confirmed drivers will have the option to pay with cash again from Monday, June 8.

Cllr Thomas said: “We announced on May 22 that charging would start again on June 1 because of greater usage of car parks, particularly by visitors to Bewdley and Stourport from outside the district.

"Visitors from elsewhere don’t pay any council tax to the district council and it’s right that they should contribute to the cost of services we have to provide such as emptying litter bins.

“The council rightly acted to protect car park users from the risk of transmission of Covid-19 by not accepting cash payments for car parking initially.

"With the Government now authorising more shops to open from 15 June, which is based on scientific advice about spread of the disease, the council has reviewed the arrangements that were drawn up a fortnight ago.

“We need to prepare for a larger number of users expected in car parks as a result.

"After careful consideration I am pleased to confirm that the ticket machines in car parks will be operational again from Monday, June 8, although we would strongly recommend visitors use our cashless payments options such as paying by phone, pre-booking their space or purchasing a season ticket.

“I would like to thank car park users for their understanding during the temporary arrangements that were implemented for their safety and I can confirm that we will have a rigorous cleaning regime in place and our staff will be fully protected with the appropriate PPE.”

New signage will remind people to observe social distancing if there is a queue at a machine and to wash their hands or use sanitising gel regularly, including after touching surfaces that may have been touched by others.

Cllr Thomas added “We are conscious that, unlike Kidderminster and Stourport, Bewdley has no significant free car parking provided for users of supermarkets and other shopping developments.

"We are therefore looking at special temporary measures that would apply only in Bewdley as part of the recovery from the Covid-19 lockdown to support its shops as they begin trading again."