TRADERS have unleashed a blistering assault on the state of parking in Cirencester, saying a “catastrophic” lack of spaces cost them thousands over the Christmas period.

A businessman who had to cancel a meeting because half of the delegates could not find spaces, a trader left counting his Christmas pennies after poor festive takings and a fashion boutique owner who watched customers who could not find spaces slip through her fingers, are among those demanding action from Cotswold District Council (CDC).

The broadside is the latest in a lengthy list of complaints from traders who say shoppers are looking elsewhere, due to the dearth of spaces in Cirencester.

CDC, which is responsible for off-street parking in the area, said it understood the problems and was working to resolve them.

David Allberry, who manages Bishops Walk shopping centre, said he had witnessed a huge drop in sales.

He said: “They simply gave up and left. And the tragedy is not one councillor appeared to be bothered by what we are heading for – a huge commercial crash, with empty shops and no one bothering to come to the most iconic Cotswold town.

“It has happened because CDC does not understand and does not care about the fate of Cirencester. Today there’s so little parking and what is provided costs the earth. So you have streets filled with cars, with hundreds jamming our roads, our estates, even our cemetery. And yet the council doesn’t give a damn.”

Anna Offard, owner of fashion boutique Plum in Castle Street, said she lost count of the number of customers phoning her to say they would have to shop elsewhere because they could not find anywhere to park.

“From being such an important centre, our town is dying because the council is not interested,” she said.

Paul Brock, the owner of clothing shop Brocks in Castle Street has contacted Cotswold MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown with his concerns and wants swift action.

Cllr Chris Hancock, cabinet member for enterprise and partnership at CDC, said they knew demand for spaces was very high at peak times and wanted to increase the capacity as soon as possible.

“We must address this challenge in a comprehensive manner, taking account of issues such as future growth, alternative transport options and constraints imposed by the presence of many significant underground archaeological sites across the town,” he said.

“Last year we carried out a preliminary survey, which examined demand for parking spaces in Cirencester. We then reviewed the findings with Cirencester Town Council and also engaged with local Chamber of Commerce and residents’ associations to gain a full understanding of all parking issues.

“As a consequence, we are now hiring a specialist consultant to carry out a detailed review of anticipated future parking trends in the town and provide clear options to satisfy short and long-term demand.”

The review is investigating how parking capacity can be increased.

Cllr Hancock assured motorists and traders that “we are responding to their concerns as a priority.”