A controversial plan to keep coaches out of Bourton-on-the-Water is set to go ahead despite a potential last minute U-turn by the parish council.

Concerns about over-tourism and a lack of parking for coaches in the village led the parish council to ask Gloucestershire County Council to tackle the issue.

Subsequent talk of banning coaches has polarised opinion in the village, which is known as the Venice of the Cotswolds, with many businesses saying tourism is vital for their survival but some residents bemoaning the extremely heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic during peak holiday periods.

The county responded earlier this year by suggesting, for a trial period, that coaches be allocated a dropping off space on the edge of the village in Meadow Way. That is due to begin over the Easter holidays.

But following concern from some coach companies that this would leave too long a walk into the centre for its customers, there could be a late change of plan.

The parish council has agreed to hold an extraordinary meeting on Thursday, April 17, just one day before the holiday period begins.

Parish and district councillors Jon Wareing and Len Wilkins will call for the parish council to withdraw its backing for the county council's proposal because they say it lacks support from coach operators.

Concern about the proposal has also been expressed by bosses at the Jubilee Lodge care home in Meadow Way who fear coaches could prevent emergency vehicles accessing their site.

But the county council looks set to go ahead with the trial, despite the possible change of heart by the parish council.

A spokesperson for the county council said: "Following requests from local stakeholders, we agreed on a trial location for coach parking and we are planning to introduce this in time for the Easter holidays.

"It will give coaches a dedicated area to drop off and pick up, which is a short walk from the centre of the village for visitors.

"The parish council would welcome feedback on the scheme from residents, visitors and coach operators. We will be able to make changes to the scheme during the trial to ensure the best possible results."

Cotswold District Council hopes that if the trial does go ahead, it will help businesses.

A spokesperson said: "The council has worked alongside other key stakeholders over the past few years to find a solution to coach parking in Bourton-on-the-Water following the decision by the private car park owner to stop providing coach parking in the village.

"There is a trial being implemented by Gloucestershire Highways which is a stepping stone to finding a long-term solution for coach parking for Bourton-on-the-Water. We hope this will benefit businesses compared with not having any official coach drop-off or parking, as is the current situation. As with any trial, the impact will be monitored."