Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP has voiced his opposition of a proposal to ban coaches from Bourton.

The Parish Council is considering a motion to request Worcestershire County Council's implementation of a traffic regulation order, banning coaches from the heart of Bourton-on-the-Water.

Representing The Cotswolds for thirty years in the House of Commons, Mr Clifton-Brown expressed reservations regarding the ramifications of such a ban.

 

 

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He emphasised the potential detrimental effects on community businesses, employment, and the overall vitality of the picturesque village.

Acknowledging the economic strain recent global circumstances have caused, he pointed out the precarious position of several businesses.

He warned that some are unable to purchase stock for the summer season, and the proposed ban may deteriorate the situation, leading to business closures, job losses, reduce the appeal of the village and property value reductions.

Environmental implications were also underscored, with the efficiency of coach travel in reducing carbon emissions when compared to individual car trips highlighted.

Mr Clifton-Brown proposed alternate measures, including designated coach drop-off points and temporary parking areas, such as near Station Road and locations within the industrial estate.

Plans for a meeting on Wednesday, March 27 has been announced by the MP.

Stakeholders including officials from the Gloucestershire County Council, Cotswold District Council, and the parish council, have been invited.

The aim of the meeting is to foster collaboration and work out a path forward, considering various interests and safeguarding the village's future.

Mr Clifton-Brown said: "“As soon as I was alerted to the proposal to introduce a Traffic Regulation Order to ban coaches from the centre of Bourton village, I realised the potential damage this could do.

"Businesses in the village are already under severe economic pressures and this proposal is bound to lead to closures affecting the high street, leading to the loss of jobs."

He added: “Consideration also needs to be given to the potential environmental effects of more cars and the overall threat to the vitality and vibrancy of the village.

"I have proposed a high-level meeting to try to achieve this, it is already clear that some coaches will divert from Bourton this summer due to a lack of parking”.