Car park decision is right - residents (From Gazette Series)

Car park decision is right - residents

THE controversy surrounding the opening hours of a Dursley car park looks set to linger on, with nearby residents taking their turn to speak out.

They have criticised Ray Foster, a member of Dursley Male Voice Choir, who described plans to limit the opening hours of Rackfield car park on Castle Street as unfair last week.

Under proposals from Stroud District Council, the site will be closed between 7.30pm and 7.30am from Mondays to Saturdays and all day on Sundays - to prevent youths from using it as a racetrack.

Mr Foster said this would work against community groups who regularly use the site.

This has angered local residents who contacted the Gazette. One, who wishes to remain anonymous in fear of reprisals from the youths said: "I am one of the Dursley residents who are constantly plagued by the nightly nuisance of the Anti social behaviour in the long stay car park.

"I can assure Mr Foster that the decision to close the car park during certain hours was not taken lightly, a lot of police and council time and effort has gone into trying to resolve this problem. It has now been recognised that many Dursley town residents have suffered for long enough and something positive is going to be done.

"I live in the town and I know there are plenty of safe car parking places after 6pm without the Long Term car park. I am sure on the rare occasions that access is needed to this car park for special functions such as the Annual firework display, Lister hall functions etc arrangements can be made."

A spokesman for Stroud District Council said it will work alongside all groups concerned in the hope of finding a solution over the coming weeks.