PLANNING permission has been granted for up to 40 free long-term car parking spaces in Nailsworth.

For the past three years district councillor Rowland Blackwell (Con, Nailsworth and Horsley) has made it his priority to improve parking in the town.

Now, land owned by businessman James Chamberlain has been made available in Avening Road, opposite Wyevale Garden Centre, to accommodate 30 to 40 spaces.

"Parking is always going to be an issue," said Cllr Blackwell.

"But we have been lucky in finding a piece of land idle with a generous landlord.

"Small rural towns rely on football and this is a rare gift that the retailers were happy to support."

Permission was granted by Stroud District Council for a change of use in July.

"Nailsworth is a retail honey pot," said Mr Chamberlain.

"With so many great independent stores people love shopping in Nailsworth but we must not rest on our laurels.

"We need to provide parking for genuine shoppers.

"While we draw up plans to develop this site I am delighted to offer spaces to shop workers to free up spaces for our wonderful customers."