A RECENT survey conducted by the Cotswold District Council (CDC) parking team investigated demand for parking in Cirencester and this showed that there are two ‘peak’ times – Friday mornings and Saturdays – when it could be difficult for some motorists to find a vacant space.

We accept too that this pressure can extend beyond those times. We have tried to alleviate this problem by offering free weekend car parking at our Trinity Road offices, and we also believe that our “free after 3pm” offer in selected car parks – including the Forum and Brewery in Cirencester – has encouraged motorists to visit at off peak times.

Additionally, we have been liaising with St James’ Place regarding the parking needs for their staff, and we are pleased to note that they recently took out a lease on a car park near Cirencester hospital, alleviating pressure on the council’s car parks.

We continue to look for other short-term solutions and we are pursuing options.

Feasibility studies of suitable shortlisted long-term parking sites are under way to consider issues including flood risk, considerable archaeological and geotechnical factors, highway access and impact on neighbours.

Some people seem to have arrived at the false assumption that the commissioning of a parking review means we are kicking this issue “into the long grass” – nothing is further from the truth.

CLLR CHRIS HANCOCK

Cabinet member for enterprise and partnerships Cotswold District Council