THERE were mixed feelings as residents gave feedback on plans for a multi-storey car park in Cirencester.

A pop-in consultation event on Tuesday, organised by Cotswold District Council (CDC), allowed residents to share their thoughts about plans for decked parking at Waterloo Car Park, which are being prepared by CDC’s parking board.

Cirencester has long had a shortage of parking spaces and traders and residents have been calling for urgent action.

Mark Mackenzie-Charrington, CDC cabinet member overseeing the Cirencester Parking Project, explained that the current parking requirement is 350 spaces, but in 25 years, with new developments being built, that figure could be as high as 800.

Speaking at the consultation, he said: “We wish to be completely open about what we are doing and get feedback from residents into the principles and the design.

“The principle is to soften the design and make it pleasing to look at, rather than something that is like an airport car park.”

Hilary Norris-Evans, 60, of Victoria Road, (pictured below) thought the plans for a decked car park were a good idea.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

She said: “I know how it works in Bath and it works well.

“It will benefit traders and people coming in from outlying villages.

“I think people are prevented from coming into town due to a lack of car parking.”

But Graham Baber, a resident in Corinium Gate, near the Waterloo Car Park, said the consultation had not answered his questions: “The question has not been answered as to how many decks?

“And what about air and noise pollution? What does it look like? Where is the access and exit?”

Wallace Risby, 85, also of Corinium Gate, said the plans, for him, mean “a lot of spending”.

He continued: “Why should we have to put up with the construction for 12 to 18 months? I am very annoyed.

“I have been living in Cirencester for 80 years. I have several businesses in Love Lane and for them to come and do this…”

He added that he would have preferred a meeting where questions can be asked and answered for everyone to hear.