Petition for Idsall Drive car park in Cheltenham to be saved

Cheltenham Borough Council said the car park is "underused"

Around 1,000 people have called for a council-owned car park to be taken off the market.

Idsall Drive car park in Prestbury, which currently has 10 short-stay spaces, is expected to be sold by Cheltenham Borough Council.

Borough chiefs say the site is underused and currently costs the taxpayer around £4,000 a year to operate.

Opponents want the issue to be debated at a council meeting on 18 March.

The council decided last year to put the two-hour maximum stay car park up for sale.

But a petition signed by around 1,000 people is calling on leaders to immediately it off the market, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

Councillor Stephan Fifield (C, Pittville) thanked those who have signed the petition so far.

He said the car park may be small but it's a "crucial asset" to residents.

"Reaching around 1,000 signatures in such a short time is incredible," Mr Fifield said.

"This was a community-wide effort. The vast majority of these signatures are from local people in Prestbury from all walks of life, who value the car park and use it every day. 

"We are calling on the borough council to do its democratic duty and immediately take the car park off the market while the petition is processed and the subject debated. That's common sense."

The petition is due to be presented at this Friday's full council meeting in Cheltenham.