"ADMIT there is a parking problem in Cirencester," a business group has demanded of council officials, just before one businessman decided to move his firm out of the town for good.

Traders and residents have called for action to tackle the parking problem in Cirencester for months, which they say is affecting their trade.

Now one trader has decided enough is enough and is relocating from his office in Swan Yard, in the town centre, to a village five minutes away from town.

“I’ve been in photography for 16 years, but have only been based in the town for six months,” said photographer Ed Shepherd, 37. “All three of us are photographers and we are coming in and out all the time, especially in the summer.

“It’s so difficult for us, finding somewhere to park.”

Originally Ed, of Ed Shepherd Photography, used a private car park for the three cars, costing £500 a year for each car. However, news that the car park is due to be built over was the final straw in his decision to move.

“We’re moving to a similar size office but it’s private,” said Mr Shepherd, who lives in Bibury. “You can also reverse right up to the door. If there was more parking, then we could stay in the town centre. It’s such a shame to have to leave.”

Cirencester Chamber of Commerce has been in talks with the district council for months about the lack of parking in the town. Member Simon Large, who is heading the campaign, said the council was moving too slowly.

“Businesses in Cirencester are losing business on a daily basis whilest the council continues on its ponderous way,” he said.

“The very first thing you need to do in this regard is accept that there is a parking problem in Cirencester.”

“The principle problem is insufficient car parking Turn to page 5 capacity. We need a plan that addresses this core issue. It is clear as an authority that CDC do not have any money so we need to look at ways of engaging with those that are prepared to invest in providing more car parking probably in the form of a multi-storey car park and probably on the site of one of the existing CDC car parks such as the old station to provide more space where it is most needed.”

CDC’s Claire Locke said she was very keen for CDC, the chamber, the town council, and residents groups to work together to tackle the issues.

“I accept that there is parking pressure,” she said. “We do need to identify additional provision and we may need to look at creative ways of doing this.

“There will be some short term improvements we can put in place but we will also need to look at the medium to long term issues particularly in light of the development proposals in the local plan.”