Cotswold District Council's Parking Demand Board and Cirencester Rugby Club have joined forces to help meet the rising demand for parking spaces in the town.

Both parties have entered into a formal agreement which - subject to planning consent - will see the development of land at the rugby club accommodate about 150 parking spaces.

Cllr Mark Harris, chair of the Cirencester Parking Project, said: "By joining forces with Cirencester Rugby Club we have a great opportunity to provide much needed extra parking at a site with easy access to the town centre. The council would operate the site for public parking from Monday to Friday, and the rugby club would use it on weekends. Given the location of the rugby club, we believe that the newly created spaces would be best suited to permit-style parking for commuters, reducing the number of cars going in and out of the town centre. We will, of course, be consulting with local residents to discuss the best way to manage traffic flows in and out of the car park."

Cllr Chris Hancock, cabinet member for enterprise and partnerships, said: "Adding the rugby club site to our range of parking options would also help us develop an effective long-term strategy. This would focus on short stay at car parking in the heart of the town, medium stay at sites such as the Waterloo and long stay commuter parking at locations such as the Beeches car park and the rugby club."

Nick Theakston, president of Cirencester Rugby Club, said: "We are fully behind this proposal and have secured formal agreement from our members to enter into a lease agreement. Leasing our land would not just provide much needed parking for the town, but would also yield some very welcome income for the rugby club. The dedicated parking area created will present a great facility to accommodate our fans on match days and the hundreds of mini and youth rugby parents at the weekend; as well as enhancing our clubhouse entrance with a professional appearance, benefiting our sponsors and partners."