Concerns over lack of coach parking in Bourton-on-the-Water

Villagers said the lack of parking for coaches in Bourton-on-the-Water was a "nightmare"

Some businesses at a Cotswold tourist hotspot fear a lack of parking for coaches will impact their companies.

Cotswold District Council said despite efforts to find a solution to coach parking in Bourton-on-the-Water, the authority had been unsuccessful.

Last year 160,000 tourists visited the village by coach.

Andrew Lund-Yates, who owns the Model Village in Bourton-on-the-Water, said without a solution "there will be a detrimental fall off in coach visits".

"There's uncertainty over where coaches can safely unload and park their guests.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said he added: "They [coach firms] are committed to this year but if there are too many problems with logistics this year then Bourton will be removed completely from itineraries next year. That's our main worry."

The council said coaches could not use the council's car park due to unaffordable costs and a loss of vital car parking space including disabled bays.

'No stone left unturned'

"Worldwide we are suffering bad press that there are no facilities for coaches and they are having to make their own arrangements and drop off safely, turn around and park safely where they can," said Mr Lund-Yates, who also runs The Old New Inn.

"No matter what we suggest, any solution relies on Gloucestershire highways, Cotswold District Council or Bourton Parish Council agreeing."

However, Cotswold District Council said: "No stone has been left unturned and we will continue to work with the county council, police, local businesses and the parish council to help manage coach visits to the village."

Allan Hymers, of Cotswold Ice Creams, said the issue was "not about when the place is packed in summer" but it is about how villagers "are going to trade in the winter", when the only trade is coaches coming into the village.

Mr Hymers said the best solution would be to provide coach drop off points at the Rissington Road car park which he said is "empty eight months of the year", a solution the district council said was unfeasible.

Councillor Len Wilkins, who represents Bourton at district and parish level, said: "Balancing the needs of residents, businesses and visitors is difficult and at the moment there is no solution."

He said. "Let's hope that between us we can get to one."