Resident parking improvements at tourist hotspot

Half of all households in a popular Cotswold village have expressed their views on visitor traffic and pressure on parking.

Bourton-on-the-Water could have a residents' parking scheme in place by next Spring as part of Gloucestershire County Council's plans to help deal with parking issues relating to the large number of tourists who visit the village.

Almost 1,000 people responded to a recent consultation on the issue, which is half of the households in Bourton, according to Gloucestershire County Council.

Andrew Lund-Yates, a resident and business owner in the village, said the scheme would "definitely" help and is "pleased" the council are looking to tackle the issue.

Lund-Yates, who owns The Old New Inn and The Model Village, said many visitors try to find places to park where they do not have to pay,

"That ends up with them (visitors) being in residential streets which then restricts access to our own residents...sometimes not being able to access their properties because people have parked inappropriately," he said.

The parking proposals form part of wider work involving Gloucestershire County Council, Cotswold District Council and Bourton-on-the-Water Parish Council to address the challenges facing the village and turn residents' and business' feedback into practical improvements.

Gloucestershire County Councillor Paul Hodgkinson described the village as a "much-loved and iconic part of the Cotswolds:

"This is about getting the balance right, welcoming visitors while protecting residents' quality of life, making parking fairer for local people and finding a workable solution for coaches," he said.

Cotswold District Councillor Tony Dale said the response to the consultation shows "just how important these issues are to the local community,

"What matters now is turning that feedback into action," he added.

Gloucestershire County Council are now beginning the formal process to introduce a residents' parking scheme and changes to parking restrictions in the village centre, this will include a public consultation lasting at least 21 days.

The aim is for the changes to be introduced in spring 2027.

Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.