Hundreds of thousands of pounds of public money will be spent in the Cotswolds to refurbish a car park considered essential for a village’s tourist trade.
Cotswold District councillors have agreed to spend up to £337,000 to spruce up Rissington Road car park in Bourton-on-the Water.
The council plans to install new drains, resurface the car park and redesign its layout and hopes this will reduce ongoing maintenance works and provide a long-term improved car park.
They will also increase the number of disabled parking bays from two to six and future proof the site by providing electric vehicle (EV) charging points.
It aims to minimise disruption by beginning the work after the October half term.
The car park will be closed during its repairs for safety reasons.
Finance cabinet member Mike Evemy said the plans would deliver a modern and fit for purpose car park.
“We as an administration are committed to tackling climate change,” he said.
“And the costs which we are being asked to support, allow for EV charge points to be put into the car park.
“There is a separate project that is going on that will ensure that EV charging points are delivered on day one when the car park reopens.”
Ward councillor Nick Maunder said the state of the road surface was shocking and the car park had become an eyesore.
“It’s not very attractive way of advertising the council or supporting the visitor economy in the village,” he said.
“It’s great we are using the opportunity to improve the safety and accessibility and include provision for EV charging points.
“This proposal has support within the local community.”
The project is estimated to cost £337,000 and will be funded by using £245,000 from the capital programme and £92,000 from the parking earmark reserve.
