Parking concerns over revamp plan (From Stroud News and Journal)

Parking concerns over revamp plan

PLANS to revamp Nailsworth town centre have been unveiled, raising concerns over parking and congestion.

Current proposals will see the bus stand area reduced, Old Market narrowed and Mortimer Gardens and the market area extended.

More shops and affordable housing will also be brought into the centre and a landmark is being considered.

The plans, which are being developed through a series of consultations with the local community, aim to make Nailsworth more vibrant.

Although she welcomed a more attractive centre, Rosemary Liles, co-owner of Just Traiding CORRECT in Fountain Street, was concerned about parking provisions and congestion.

Mrs Liles said: "It's pointless trying to encourage more people to come to the town without much more parking.

"Also, they are talking about narrowing Old Market, which sounds horrendous to me."

Resident Jamie Maltby, of Watledge Lane, agreed, saying: "It's fine as long as we don't lose any more parking, because that's already a disaster.

"But I think it needs to be regenerated because it's not the most beautiful place in the world."

Over 100 people turned up to the last public meeting about the regeneration.

The next will be on Friday, September 30 at 6.30pm in the Mortimer Room in Old Market.

Residents will be divided into small groups to put forward ideas on different aspects of the development.

There will also be representatives from the town, district and county council, private landowners and potential developers, which are all funding the project.

Nailsworth town councillor Norman Kaye, who has been involved in the consultation process, said: "Nothing is set in stone yet.

"We want people's ideas so that what does get planned and eventually built there will be something people in Nailsworth can use and will be proud of."