Some concern has been expressed at the loss of the lay-by car park, opposite the hospital, Waterside in favour of an open space.

Any loss of car parking in this day and age is regrettable but the situation at this particular facility, which provided free car parking for about 18 cars, is that the ground on which it sat was the subject of a land transfer deal between the County and District Councils in which a quarter of the site was sold with the adjoining property. To return the remaining site back into a car park is precluded for Environmental, Health & Safety and practical reasons - for example a double access/exit will be required reducing the available parking spaces.

Wychavon District Council was able to acquire the remaining land from the County Council allowing about a quarter of a mile of adjoining riverside to be improved as public open space. Wychavon is actively investigating ways to improve the town's parking problems (show me a town that has'nt such a problem!). There is a good alternate, free car park about 200 metres from the old lay-by. Waterside Car Park, sits on the Mansion Gardens side of the road. It has recently re-opened, takes about 50 cars, is still free and will soon be sign posted for all to see. This is a reasonable alternative under the circumstances and is better than despoiling the lovely vistas that have been opened - who wants to see cars, vans and lorries parked and further fly tipping? Cyclists, walkers and boat visitors will use the new open space that is being cultivated and what if we can extend the cycleway/pathway one day to the Evesham Country Park?

What about future hopes for the area - perhaps a board walk that links with Workman Gardens, a footbridge to link Crown Meadow, a Bar-B-Que and picnic area? We need to use some vision for the future of the town, not just re-creating a car park lot for relatively few car owners, but developing sustainable projects for the betterment of the town. The closure of the lay-by parking area is a cost that the Market Town Partnership and the Council believe is worth paying in the wider interests of the town and its communities.

Lewis Hammond, Wychavon District Council, Town Centres Officer and Evesham hinterland resident.