PARKING expansion plans are building a head of steam at Lydney Station after the town secured £1million to improve its transport strategy.
Negotiations between councils and Network Rail continue over the expansion of what has been described as a cramped station.
The town has also secured government funding for the Lydney Transport Strategy, which the station is a key part of.
Mark Harper, Conservative MP for the Forest of Dean, said: "For too long, the railway station car park has been overcrowded and in need of expansion. I have been working on resolving this problem for a number of years.
"I am glad now, working together, our district and county councils, with Network Rail, have found a possible solution to this ongoing problem."
The station is seen as a key link from the Forest of Dean, on the Gloucester and Newport line and further afield.
Councillor Brian Thomas, deputy mayor of Lydney, said the town's transport strategy was to improve the flow of traffic, reduce congestion and improve air quality. He said greater parking at the station may encourage more people to use public transport.
He said: "Lydney has been referred to as the gateway to the Forest of Dean with access to the main line and if we want to bring tourists in then the railway is the good way of doing it."
Will Windsor Clive, cabinet member for transport planning at Gloucestershire County Council, said: "We are on the verge of signing a deal that would secure the expansion of Lydney Train Station car park by extending onto nearby land. This is great news for the people of Lydney and I am delighted that we have been able to play a part in finding a solution here.
"It's been clear for some time that demand for car parking at Lydney Station is far greater than what is currently available. Our plan is to work with the Forest of Dean District Council and Lydney Town Council to address that problem, encourage greater use of the train service at Lydney and in turn support the local economy."
