Work has begun to smarten up car parking at Cirencester Rugby Club that will create 158 parking spaces.

The works commenced this week and are expected to be completed in June 2020 and will provide spaces to accommodate permit-holders in Cirencester.

Among the 158 new parking spaces, the car park will include three disabled bays, five motorcycle bays and four electric vehicle bays with fast charging points.

Cllr Mark Harris, Cabinet Member for Car Parks, said: "It's great to see work begin on this development.

"This car park will create additional parking in the town centre by enabling season ticket holders to park in a more suitable location for long-stay parking.

"We want to ensure there is adequate short-stay parking available in the town centre for visitors, shoppers and residents so that people driving to the Cotswolds can do so with ease.

"Given the location of the rugby club, we believe that the newly created spaces would be best suited to permit-style parking for commuters.

"I realise it's a bit further out of town, but the walk through the Abbey Grounds is a pleasant one and supports local and national initiatives to keep people active and healthy."

The Council has entered into a 10-year lease agreement with the rugby club.

The arrangement will see the Council operate the site for permit-holder parking from Monday to Friday and the Rugby Club would use it on weekends.

Nick Theakston, President of Cirencester Rugby Club, said: "I'm thrilled to see that work has started this week.

"The new dedicated parking area will present a great facility to accommodate our supporters on match days and the hundreds of minis and youth rugby parents at the weekend."