MORETON in Marsh residents have overwhelming backed plans for a new public car park.

Earlier this month the Cotswold Journal reported on Gloucester Diocesan Board of Finance (GDBF) organising an informal drop in public consultation event, giving residents the chance to view preliminary proposals to provide a new car park on part of the Glebe field at Bourton Road.

Parking and congestion became a big issue for Moreton in Marsh that led to a Parking Working Group (PWG) being set up a few years ago, with the aim to explore potential solutions, with the car park then emerging as a possibility. The proposals are to provide 150 car parking spaces with potential to expand to 250 and some coach parking spaces. It is intended the car park would serve visitors, railway passengers and employees of town centre businesses.

PWG has previously said it is aiming for the car park to be delivered next year,

The drop in session was held on November 23, and those attending had the chance to complete a response form, giving them the opportunity to provide feedback and suggestions.

At the session those in attendance also viewed a overhead plan of the car park at the site, (inset), that enabled residents to have a more informed opinion.

Results have now been analysed and of the 210 responses, 183 were in favour (83 per cent), 25 objected (12 per cent) and two people gave a neutral view (one per cent).

One of the organiser, Philip Staddon, said: “The event was very well attended with hundreds of residents and business representatives viewing and commenting on the preliminary proposals. District councillors, town councillors and the MP attended.”

A PWG statement, released in April, said: “PWG feel that the Glebe land would be a suitable location for a new car park as it has good access and is a short walk to the town centre.

“This new car park, targeted for delivery in 2019, would be used by all day parkers who are currently congesting the town centre.”

GDBF responded positively to local views that the Glebe field may be able to provide a car parking facility that could assist the town in addressing its needs, enabling better and safer traffic management and an improved town centre environment, which led to plans being drawn up.