A TOWN desperate to resolve its parking problems is considering building on top of existing car parks.

Civic leaders in Wotton-under-Edge are looking into the possibility of building a second tier of parking on top of the Civic Centre car park in Gloucester Street.

Councillors had also discussed putting underground parking at the Chipping car park.

Chris Galbraith, mayor of Wotton, said: "The town council has for a long time thought there is not enough parking in the town and has been under pressure from residents and traders.

"There is a distinct lack of parking in the town and there has been no addition to the parking spaces by the district council for many, many years.

"We have written to the district council about ways of providing more parking, which is beyond the financial capabilities of the town council, and to put an extra layer on the Civic Centre car park will cost a lot."

The town council has for many years lobbied the district council asking for its help to solve the parking problems in the town, but to no avail.

Councillors have now written to Stroud District Council's chief executive David Hague about this new suggestion.

In support of the town council's efforts, Wotton's Chamber of Trade has formed a working party to look into the option of developing existing parking areas in the town.

Alex Wilkinson, chairman of the Chamber of Trade, said: "If we could get another 40 car parking spaces it would be great for the town, but it comes down to where the money is going to come from.

"We need to get this parking issue resolved for Wotton because the traders are going nowhere as it is."

A spokesman for Stroud District Council said: "We are aware of these concerns in Wotton and we are already liaising with the Wotton Chamber of Trade and in fact the chief executive of the district council is meeting with them early in February.

"We will of course be replying to the town council in due course."