Parking problems caused by tourists have begun early in Bourton this year.

Thousands of people visit Bourton each month for its picturesque settings and wide array independent shops and restaurants.

However, this comes at a cost, with car parks filled to the brim.

Gloucestershire County councillor for Bourton, Paul Hodgkinson, says this is not a new issue but one the local councils are working hard to address.

He said: “Parking has been an ongoing problem in Bourton due to the very large number of visitors which the village attracts.

“Last August alone in one month there was estimated to be 155,000 visitors!”

He added: “However, there are still a lot of parking spaces available in the various car parks - visitors shouldn’t be using residential streets as there usually is no need to.

“In the peak months the school opens up for parking too.

“The parish council and I are continuing to look at residents parking zones for instance to see if they are practical.”

While the number of tourists peaks in the summer months, police say the parking problem has already begun.

On Saturday, February 5, Cotswold Police ticketed three cars in the area for causing obstruction.

A police spokesman said: “Parking issues have started early this year in Bourton-on-the-Water.

“With all the car parks full to capacity, visitors have started parking, obstructing pavements, in the village today.”