Thornbury’s Liberal Democrat councillors are horrified to learn  that the top part of Castle Court Car Park has been put up for sale by the owners, Nat West Bank,  for development.  The Nat West has advertised the sale as a “Development Opportunity”  in the trade paper Estates Gazette, but has not advertised it locally, and they have sent mail shots to developers.

South Gloucestershire Council has leased this car park land from the Nat West for about 30 years.  The lease will expire on 1^st March but has been extended to 1^st May.

 “I can’t understand why the Council’s Cabinet did not resolve this years ago,” said Cllr Maggie Tyrrell (Thornbury South & Alveston)  “The present Conservative Cabinet have run South Gloucestershire Council for the last four years.  They knew the lease would end.  Why have they failed to take action?”

The car park is extremely well used and is essential to the success of Thornbury’s shops and businesses.  Hundreds of local people park there every week.

“As soon as we were told about this proposed sale we started a petition calling on the Cabinet to negotiate a new lease with the Nat West without delay,” said Cllr Clare Fardell (Thornbury North.)   We urge everyone to sign it.  Thornbury needs this car park!”