REGULAR parking surveys show that there are free spaces in the Waterloo car park in Cirencester town centre at peak times, say the council.

Parking has long been an issue in the town, but Cotswold District Council (CDC) are keen to ensure visiting motorists know how to get to the Waterloo to take advantage.

The most recent survey was carried out by CDC from Monday, March 13 to Saturday, March 18 and, for example, had 114 free spaces on the final day at 3pm.

Across the week, there was always at least three free spaces with an average of 20 spaces always available.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

Another trend worth noting is that the car parks at the Old Station and Sheep Street – which are heavily used by permit holders from Mondays to Fridays – tend to be much quieter on Saturdays.

Claire Locke, CDC’s head of environmental services, wants to make sure that motorists are aware of the Waterloo parking option.

“We realise that there is a high demand for parking in Cirencester at peak times but our surveys show that the Waterloo is well worth a try when other car parks are full,” she said.

“The Waterloo is rather hidden from view so it is not the most obvious destination for people who don’t know the town very well.

“However, the car park is very close to the Market Place and all other amenities in the centre.

“Our calculations show that the Waterloo is only 350m from the church of St. John the Baptist – the equivalent of four and a half minutes walking time at a leisurely pace.

“It takes even less time to reach the shops in Dyer Street.

“We want to ensure that the Waterloo is a considered option when people are looking for parking spaces, and we will be circulating leaflets and posters around the town to draw attention to its location.”

Visit cotswold.gov.uk/residents/environment/parking-and-public-toilets/cirencester-parking-project for CDC’s parking surveys.