AFTER years of frustration for commuters and residents, there are finally firm plans to create hundreds of more parking spaces at Kemble rail station.

First Great Western (FGW) has submitted plans to Cotswold District Council to create about 330 additional spaces next to the Tavern Inn, which is opposite the station.

The plans have only just been submitted to the council and more details are not yet available, but it is believed that the new car park would be accessed via Station Road, off the A429, which would decrease the amount of traffic going through the village.

For years there have been calls for more spaces, as the lack of bays at the 220-space car park has meant that commuters have been parking in streets around the station, causing traffic problems.

The issue had become so bad that the Standard launched a campaign earlier this year which called for FGW – which runs the car park – to create extra spaces, and more than 500 people signed our petition.

Bob Williams, who lives near the station, said: "As residents we absolutely welcome the increase in car parking."

But he said that parking restrictions should be imposed on streets near the station or drivers would continue to Turn to page 3 (Continued from page 1) park there to avoid paying for a ticket.

Kemble post office's postmaster, Camlefh Khudusam(CORR) , also welcomed news of the plans for more parking, which he hopes will solve the traffic problems around the station.

The land the new car park would be sited on is owned by the Bathurst Estate and an archaeological analysis found no reason to press ahead with the plans.

Roger Pettit, chairman of Kemble and Ewen Parish Council, said: "We suggested this particular solution about two years ago.

"The existing application is for 330 spaces which is a good number and should meet parking needs for a significant amount of time."

He said the parish council would look into introducing parking restrictions on roads near the station if the new car park is created.

"Once the car park is significantly capable to meet needs then we can follow up with restrictions in the village," he said.