A working group has been set up to tackle controversial car parking issues in Malmesbury.

The town council announced last week that the committee had been created to look at the sensitive but key issue.

With Malmesbury rapidly expanding, the council is concerned the town won't be able to support the extra number of cars the new development will bring.

Currently, the two main public car parks: Cross Hayes which has a limit of two hours and Station Road which is all day, together provide a total of 252 spaces.

A council statement said: "It is recognised that the design of the town does not lend itself to the needs of both the private and commercial modern motorist.

"However, perhaps the biggest problem is parking, which will not be helped by the impending dramatic increase in the population of the town.

"This topic seems to cause more disagreement, anger and concern than any other localised issue.

"However, it is recognised that there are no quick fixes and much work, consultation and discussion over many months and even years will be needed."

Coun Martyn Snell will lead the group and will be joined by fellow town councillors Bill Blake, Andrew Woodcock and Simon Killane.

Organisations, such as residents' associations, are also expected to be included.

Coun Snell said that residents' parking and a park and ride scheme should be considered.

"We want to get the general consensus of the community on the problems that occur on a daily, weekly or monthly basis," he said.

"Malmesbury is growing very quickly. Residents' parking has got to be considered. That is one of the priorities.

"I think we have also got to look at the possibility of a park and ride.

"We are not going to do things in five minutes but, once we have got the public on board and can pressure the councils, at least we might get some answers.

"We have got to cater for motorists for the next 20 to 30 years, at least."

He has asked North Wiltshire District Council and Wiltshire County Council for support.

Andrew Pottinger, who runs a gas engineering and plumbing company in the town, said he is often forced to park on double yellow lines while carrying out jobs.

In just one month he had received three tickets, totalling £90.

Anyone who would like to raise car parking issues with the group can do so through the council offices at the town hall.