HUNDREDS of people have signed the Standard’s petition for more parking spaces at Kemble rail station since we launched the campaign last week.

For years commuters using Kemble station have struggled to find a space in the car park at peak times because there are simply not enough to meet demand, and as a result drivers are parking in nearby streets causing congestion and road safety issues.

And with thousands of new homes set to be built across the Cotswolds in the next few years, parking at the station will become an even bigger problem.

After being contacted again and again by people who are fed up with the situation, the Standard last week launched a petition demanding that First Great Western expands the 220-space car park by at least 100 spaces.

Cotswold MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown and Cotswold District Council leader Cllr Lynden Stowe have both backed the petition, which is open until February 28.

Around 400 people have signed the petition either online or via the hard copies at Kemble Post Office and the Standard’s Cirencester office.

Many who have added their name have commented on why action is needed so urgently.

Kemble resident Andrew Lennard wrote: “The approach to the village by the station looks like a World War One landscape with people parking on the verges and mud all over the road.

“Cars are now causing an obstruction, causing this road to become single file. As the main access to a busy station this is dangerous, particularly for foot passengers and cyclists. The infrastructure around the station is not fit for purpose.”

Stewart Thomson, from Fairford, added: “I struggle to find parking and it puts me off of using the train.”

Debra Lefley, from Kemble, said: “I'm fed up with cars parking outside my house and creating dangerous roads around it. It's only a matter of time before there is a nasty accident.”

You can add your signature at change.org/p/first-great-western-create-more-parking-spaces-at-kemble-rail-station Hard copies of the petition are available at Kemble Post Office and the Standard's offices in Dyer Street, Cirencester.

Once all the signatures are in, Mr Clifton-Brown will hand the petition to FGW, responsible for the car park, and raise the issue in Parliament.

Mr Clifton-Brown, who has been campaigning for more car-parking spaces at the station for years, said: "I will continue to press First Great Western, Network Rail and the government on this, and other issues relating to Kemble station."