CARS, ambulances and even lifeboats will be making a splash in Bromsgrove High Street if a change to policy gets the green light at a meeting tonight (Wednesday).

District council members have called for a review of the policy, which bars vehicles parking in the pedestrianised street.

It follows a refusal to allow the Celia Hammond Animal Trust to set up tables, chairs and a tombola.

Earlier this year, St. John Ambulance asked to station an ambulance and display boards in the High Street but was also refused permission because of Worcestershire County Council's driving order which bans vehicles from driving through or waiting in the High Street between 10.30am and 4pm.

Councillors will be asked to discuss whether vehicles should be allowed to be stationed in the High Street to promote charitable, public service or other events for non-commercial purposes.

Vehicles have been forbidden from parking in the High Street since it was pedestrianised in 1986.

Councillor June Griffiths (Con - Alvechurch) said: "One or two requests came in for charities to station vehicles and we thought it was time to have a look at the policy. Safety must remain paramount, however, and we won't change the policy if it is not safe to do so."

If the policy is changed, any vehicle would not be allowed to obstruct pedestrians, shop entrances or emergency vehicles and officers have recommended each case should be judged on its merits.