By Linzi Watson Brampton reporter

Last updated at 15:32, Friday, 12 August 2011

Moves to resolve long-standing parking woes in Brampton have taken a step forward.

Mike Mitchelson

Carlisle City Council is carrying out a study to look at using its land around the town centre for a new car park.

Officers hope to have a plan in place to alleviate the problem by the end of the year.

One site previously put forward as a possible location for a new car park is a section of land behind St Martin’s Church.

It has been said that space could be made on unused land, which can be accessed from Main Street, for up to 30 cars.

Leader of the city council and Brampton member Mike Mitchelson said: “Parking is a big issue in Brampton and it often crops up at meetings of the economic partnership and parish council.

“We have taken this on board and are looking at ways to help resolve the issues for the people of Brampton.”

Brampton town centre is notoriously busy, with many shoppers struggling to find places to park on Front Street and around the Moot Hall.

Residents often raise the long-running issue of parking grief at parish council and neighbourhood forum meetings and traders have frequently complained about the effect it has on their businesses.

Mr Mitchelson added that the authority has launched a traffic study to look closely at the issue in the hope of finding a solution.

He added: “We need short-term parking near to the centre of the town and are looking to see if we can provide long-term parking a bit further out.

“This would ensure a more fluid exchange of spaces in the town centre.”

Mr Mitchelson confirmed that a section of land behind St Martin’s Church was being explored as an option but said their were many factors to consider.

“There is a play area near this part of land too,” he said. “We have to consider the needs of the community. This, along with access, will be looked at as part of the study.”

He added that the city council was working with the town economic partnership, parish council and the county council and said: “The study is ongoing but we would like to have a resolution later this year.”

On the issue of cost, he added: “We have no idea what it might cost at this stage. The funding will be an issue but it is not going to stop us looking at how to alleviate the car parking problems in Brampton.”

First published at 14:10, Friday, 12 August 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk