No need for more parking (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

No need for more parking

9:20am Friday 24th August 2012 in Letters

I WAS surprised to see the recent article claiming that residents are concerned about parking provision at Cotswold Leisure Cirencester during peak times (Centre parking plea, Standard, August 9.) I am aware of only one resident's complaint to the council about this matter which I responded to in June when it was drawn to my attention by a councillor. Since then I have not heard of any similar complaints so I do wonder why this issue was tagged as 'a problem' in the article, or indeed why readers were led to believe that a number of residents were objecting.

The council is very pleased that there has been an increase in the number of customers using the leisure centre over recent months, and we are conscious that this might create more demand for parking spaces at peak times, especially between 5.30pm and 6pm. We continue to monitor car parking provision at the leisure centre and, for the time being, we believe that there is no requirement for any additional measures.

I realise that parking provision in Cirencester is always going to be an emotive issue but, thanks to the recent formation of the Cirencester Parking Partnership (bringing together representatives from Cotswold District Council , the County Council, Cirencester Town Council and Cirencester Chamber of Commerce) I believe that residents will benefit from a much more 'joined up' way of ensuring that the town's parking space is used effectively and appropriately to best support the needs of residents, businesses and visitors.

CLAIRE LOCKE Head of Environmental Services Cotswold District Council