Much Wenlock parking plan for Olympic tourists

More parking could be provided to cater for the thousands of extra tourists expected to flock to Much Wenlock in the run-up to the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The proposed temporary car park would cater for hundreds of vehicles as more people visit the town because of its links to the modern Olympics.

The plan to increase parking has been put forward by Shropshire Council for a site next to the B4371 Stretton Road.

Discussions have already been going on about extra parking.

A statement submitted to support the application says: "Shropshire Council wishes to provide additional parking provision to cater for the increased levels of tourism as a result of Much Wenlock's links to the Olympic Games.

"The site has been identified as the most suitable location for the temporary car park following a detailed assessment of a number of potential sites in and around Much Wenlock.

"The site on Stretton Road was chosen due to its close proximity to the B4371 and provides good footway links to the centre of the town.

"The site will accommodate approximately 200 vehicles."

Councillor Tim Pinches, deputy mayor, said there was a needed for more parking as people currently struggled to find spaces.

Councillor Pinches said they were also trying to alleviate coach parking problems as there were only four spaces in the town.

He said: "We are looking at alternatives not too far out of town. Perhaps at weekends we would be able to use the William Brookes School car park."

He said of tourism in the town: "There is a noticeable increase of coaches visiting the town already and it makes a big difference.

"I have no doubt there will be a lot of extra visitors to the town, particularly I would think during the Olympic Games and into the lead-up. We are hoping possibly after, even if for a short time."

l Town councillors are supporting businesses concerned over school coaches parking in spaces used by tourist buses .

Much Wenlock Chamber of Trade says coaches for William Brookes School are taking up the spaces in Station Road for several hours.

A meeting is planned.