Responding to concerns over issues of parking and pedestrian access in Tetbury, Cotswolds MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown organised a meeting this weekend for local traders to discuss the matter with County Councillor Tony Hicks and Councillor Stephen Hirst the Tetbury Town Mayor.

Concerned traders absolutely packed out the meeting venue and made passionate contributions to the discussion with regards to the impact on their businesses that they felt would occur through the loss of parking spaces due to the pedestrianisation of part of the market square. In particular it was felt that traders had not been sufficiently consulted, although the Mayor was able to highlight ample evidence of several meetings whereby people had had an opportunity to air their views.

Both the Mayor and Councillor Hicks were able to provide an assurance that a scheme to create a significant number of extra parking spaces throughout the town would be made public today (Tuesday 9 March) and that everyone would have a chance to comment on this.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Clifton-Brown said “This is an issue that has needed addressing as both sides had a very strong case to make. I was pleased to be able to facilitate the sensible discussion we have had today. All those I spoke to after the meeting agreed that much greater clarity now exists as to the nature of the proposals and what will be happening in the town in the near future.”