PERMISSION to expand Pershore Railway Station’s “desperately small” car park has expired after continuing holdups over land ownership.

First Great Western (FGW) was awarded the funding to create a 64-space car park in December 2011 but the time limit imposed on when the work should take place expired a year later.

Despite planning permission being granted by Wychavon, negotiations between landowners, which began about 10 years ago, have still not been resolved and construction of the car park delayed.

Town councillor Julian Palfrey, who is also publicity officer for the Cotswold Line Promotion Group, said: “The latest news is of serious concern as the funding has expired. The station car park has been an issue for some time. First Great Western has applied for new funding and are hopeful but I am seriously concerned about the car park.

“It is an extremely important site and it is important to get it right. We have a desperately small car park. The problems multiply with excess demand and longterm parkers blocking up the free car parking spaces.”

FGW has now reapplied for the funding in the hope the work can be completed soon.

A spokesman said: “FGW and Network Rail recognise the importance of suitable car parking space at Pershore Station. We will continue to work to create a scheme that will enable industry funding to be used and will satisfy customer demand both now and in the future.”

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “Network Rail and First Great Western are still in discussions with a local landowner about the options for extending the car park at Pershore Railway Station.

“We are hopeful of reaching a solution very shortly and plan to expand the car park as soon as possible to accommodate future growth at the station.”

Pershore Town Council has voted to write to all parties involved including First Great Western, Network Rail and local MPs Harriett Baldwin and Peter Luff.