MELBOURN Parish Council is to explore the possibility of taking control of a car park in the village. The car park, in the High Street, is owned by South Cambridgeshire District Council, but Cllr Clive Purbrook believes it may be willing to make the paris

MELBOURN Parish Council is to explore the possibility of taking control of a car park in the village.

The car park, in the High Street, is owned by South Cambridgeshire District Council, but Cllr Clive Purbrook believes it may be willing to make the parish council "custodians" of the area for a nominal yearly rent.

He said: "Parish councils have taken over car parks in several villages in South Cambridgeshire.

"We could make it a more attractive space."

Cllr Donald Mowatt, chair-man of the parish council, said: "Certainly the car park needs to be better maintained, it is becoming an eyesore."

The car park was named as the site for Melbourn's controversial new community hall.

However, this project is currently on hold after it failed to gain planning permission.

Cllr Purbrook said: "I think regardless of what happens in the future about the community hall it would be good if we could get the car park."

He and a group of other parish councillors are set to meet with the district council to discuss the matter.

The parish council is also looking to replace the bus stop in the High Street.

Cllr Purbrook said: "Police think the current shelter is a cause of anti-social behaviour, and would prefer a clear structure made of plastic."

However, the council will investigate the cost of erecting a shelter in keeping with the look of the local area.

Cllr Andy Kulina said: "We may be able to get a property developer who is working locally to foot the cost as a contribution to the community.