A DECRIMINALISED parking scheme in Redditch could have definite benefits for residents says one councillor who is keen to see it introduced.

Conservative group leader Councillor Carole Gandy said the scheme, which would move powers of enforcement from police to the council, would have a positive impact in the older parts of town.

Redditch Council is to carry out a feasibility study to assess whether it could break even if it did take on parking enforcement powers in conjunction with Worcestershire County Council.

The initiative would mean it could employ its own wardens and tackle irresponsible parking as a priority.

Mrs Gandy said: "Parking enforcement for the police is not a priority, which I fully understand, because they have more serious crime to tackle.

"But I think if we had powers to enforce we could certainly be able to send wardens into the older parts of Redditch or more rural areas like Astwood Bank where there are many yellow lines.

"People continue to park illegally because they know they can get away with it and it causes terrible problems for residents, especially near schools."

Mrs Gandy added: "In the new town areas there are fewer yellow lines, yet I still hear many complaints from residents about people parking on the road. People want to park outside their homes so they can see their cars.

"But we need to look again to see if improvements can be made."