Residents report ‘much improved’ access at Stirchley car park

Residents reported that the car park was becoming difficult and dangerous to use for elderly and vulnerable patients – especially those with mobility needs.

In addition, long standing issues around land ownership, meant the area had become a source of concern due to uneven surfaces and potholes, particularly in the section closest to the surgery.

The whole area has now been resurfaced thanks to local Councillors and the neighbourhood champion who worked with the landowner to resolve the problem.

Councillor Richard Overton (Lab), Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Highways, Housing & Enforcement said: “This may sound like a simple issue, but it has taken a lot of negotiation with the Co-Op to secure the repairs.

“We listened, investigated, and would like to thank the Co-op for bringing the area back up to a high standard, removing the very real worries for some people using the car park. I would like to thank local Councillors Nathan England, Corrine Chikandamina and Nathalie Page for their work on this too.”

Members of Stirchley and Brookside Parish Council also expressed appreciation of the resurfacing which addressed concerns raised by residents and visitors to The Sambrook Centre.

This work is part of the council’s Building Safer & Stronger Communities project. A team of local coordinators, listen to what matters to residents and take action to make neighbourhoods safer and more connected.

They help tackle things like crime, housing conditions, anti-social behaviour, health issues, and support for education, jobs, and community wellbeing. Further improvements are planned for the coming months to improve shop frontages in the area too.

It also forms part of the council’s broader investment plan for 2025/26, which includes creating jobs, improving roads and transport, supporting high streets, enhancing green spaces, and caring for vulnerable residents.