GOT any land to spare is the question being asked as fears grow of summer parking chaos in Bewdley.

Anyone with a sizeable patch of land is being asked to come forward to get the town through the summer now that Gardners Meadow car park has closed to make way for flood defence workers.

A council watchdog said negotiations must start immediately with landowners to make life easier for traders and residents who face having their roads clogged by frustrated drivers.

Councillor Fran Oborski - who chaired the probe by Wyre Forest District Council - said: "Part of the problem is that there could be people parking across front drives if we don't find some way of helping.

"Parking will not be a problem at normal times of the year but, at peak holiday times, there is going to be a problem. What we are saying is that we need to find additional parking facilities for these peak times, such as bank holidays and special events."

The drive is to prevent a repeat of the headache caused by flood works of three years ago, which took over Dog Lane car park and, according to some reports, slashed trade by 50 per cent.

Although Gardners Meadow, in the corner of the town by Severnside South, is not as popular as Dog Lane, fears are rife that Bewdley traders might not be able to make the most of the lucrative summer season.

Vice-chairman of Bewdley Chamber of Trade, Colin Billingham, who made representations to the council, said: "We have lost over 100 parking spaces.

"I really fear for the town over the next few years."

The investigation was carried out by the district council's overview and scrutiny committee for environment and development and recommended landowners "be contacted to check on their willingness to allow their land to be used as temporary car parking".

Town businesses and organisations - including Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley Cricket Club and the Quaker meeting house - were recommended to be approached for possible sites.

A long-standing suggestion, that Bewdley Rowing Club provide spaces was, however, unlikely to find favour with club owners.

Vice-president, Iona Pye, said: "We are unable to do anything with it. It is legally bound by very firm conditions. It won't be available for parking."

Gardners Meadow has been closed to store equipment for the two-year flood project for Severnside South, which began last month.