COTSWOLD District Council is considering a change to the status of its car park in Station Road, Moreton, to help ease parking problems in the town.

Cotswold District Council cabinet is due to discuss the proposal to turn the shoppers' car park next to Old Market Way from a short-stay car park into a mixed-stay one at its meeting today. (Thursday) This would enable the council to sell annual season tickets for the car park, which is currently not allowed under the rules for short-stay parking.

If approved, the new scheme, would mean the introduction of a 50p half hour charge and a 10-hour £5 charge at the car park in addition to the current charges of £1 for an hour, £1.60 for two hours and £2 for three hours.

A £280 a year season ticket would also be available, which Moreton Town Council clerk Heather Sipthorp pointed out worked at £1.07 a day if used five days a week.

"Everybody wanted season tickets because it's businesses that clog up the High Street car park," Mrs Sipthorp told the town council meeting on Monday.

However, she added that, if approved, the season ticket would need to be properly marketed.

CDC parking manager Maria Wheatley admitted the Station Road car park was not "overused" at present.

"It's a shame really because it's very convenient," she said.

"In Moreton there are enough spaces in the Market Place for short stay. It is making it more flexible so we are giving more people more options," she said.