KIDDERMINSTER Harriers are set to take control of a car park used by supporters on match days following talks with Wyre Forest District Council.

Comments on social media had suggested the authority was set to introduce charges on the Stadium Close car park, close to Aggborough, from Saturday when Harriers face Grimsby in the Vanarama National League.

The issue was also discussed at a Harriers’ fan forum, held on Monday (August 3) evening.

But the council has confirmed this is not the case and instead has been in talks with Harriers chiefs about the possibility of the club taking over the 150-space facility and an agreement has been reached in principle.

Parking at Stadium Close will be free this weekend although Harriers chairman Rod Brown has not ruled out the possibility of a “nominal charge” being introduced in future.

He said: “We're very aware as a Club how serious an issue car parking is for our supporters and I'm pleased to have held such amicable talks with the Council who have tried to assist us as much as they can.

"After this weekend's game we'll be continuing those talks but we're hopeful of resolving this in a way that suits Harriers fans and the local area as much as possible.

“It may be that we have to introduce a nominal parking charge after that but I'm sure supporters will appreciate that this solution means that this money would come directly back into the club and is at a far reduced rate than it otherwise may have to have been.

"What we and the Council will agree on will allow us to be in control of our own destiny where the car park is concerned and I must thank the officials at the Council for working so closely with us and supporting the town's football club."

Councillor Ian Hardiman, Wyre Forest District Council’s Cabinet Member for Operational Services said: “We know fans have welcomed the arrangements we have had in place at the car park over the years.

“We have been looking to make changes to the way the car park in Stadium Close is managed and hope that this new arrangement will be beneficial to the fans and their club.”

“There have been some messages on social media stating we are going to start charging from Saturday, we can assure fans this is not the case.”