CIRENCESTER Rugby Club and Cotswold District Council’s Parking Demand Board are working on a proposal to create 150 new car parking spaces in the town.

The duo have joined forces to help meet the continuing demand for parking, by entering into a formal agreement which - subject to planning consent – will see the development of land at the rugby club to create much-needed parking facilities.

Cllr Mark Harris, Chairman of the Cirencester Parking Project, said: “By joining forces with Cirencester Rugby Club we have a great opportunity to provide much needed extra parking at a site with easy access to the town centre.

"The council would intend to operate the site for public parking from Monday-Friday and the rugby club would use it on weekends.

"Given the location of the club, we believe that the newly created spaces would be best suited to permit-style parking for commuters, reducing the number of cars going in and out of the town centre.

“We will, of course, be consulting with residents to discuss the best way to manage traffic flows in and out of the car park.”

Cllr Mark MacKenzie-Charrington, CDC cabinet member with oversight of Cirencester parking issues, added: “If we get the go-ahead to deck the Waterloo Car Park we must find alternative spaces for parking during the construction phase.

"The rugby club option would go a long way to meeting that need.

“It is by far the most cost effective solution compared with other options that we have explored.”

Nick Theakston, President of Cirencester Rugby Club, also welcomed the plans that could provide a financial boost for the club.

He said: “We are fully behind this proposal and have secured formal agreement from our members to enter into a lease agreement.

“Leasing our land would not just provide much needed parking for the town, but would also yield some very welcome income for the club.

“The dedicated parking area created will present a great facility to accommodate our fans on match days and the hundreds of minis and youth rugby parents at the weekend; as well as enhancing our clubhouse entrance with a professional appearance, benefitting our sponsors and partners.”