EAST Meon Parish Council is urging that the closure notice for the village’s only public car park is revoked and it remains in use.

The car park has been open for at least 22-years, but now unexpectedly says the parish council, East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) says it won’t renew the lease.

The car park land is leased from the Bereleigh Estate, who is happy to continue the agreement for the same ‘peppercorn’ rent it has charged the district council since 1994.

But the lease is due to run out, and now the car park in Workhouse Lane is set to close in February.

East Meon councillors claim there have been no formal talks about this, no official notification, and that they don’t know how the decision to let the busy car park close was reached.

A parish council said: “As the parish council were never consulted we are asking how this decision was arrived at, and using what criteria, it certainly couldn’t have been under use.

“We are making the following representations to EHDC; East Meon Parish Council had never been consulted of the possible closure of our only village public car park,

“We are unaware of any meaningful assessment leading to a decision we understand was taken some years ago.

“Although the car park is of minimal benefit to the village and its residents, the village is a popular tourist destination and is promoted on EHDC’s web site with many walks and cycling routes starting from the car park

“It is also heavily used at weekends, winter and summer – further exacerbated by overflow traffic parking on the verges of narrow roads lanes.

“The consequences of not renewing this car park lease would have a very significant impact and cause traffic problems within the main village.”

The village football pitch and pavilion is next to the car park, and if it closes, it’s unclear where else the football team, their supporters, and their opponents can park.

The parish council also says it can’t afford to take over the car park lease and maintenance, and parish councillors are to meet EHDC representatives to try and get the closure stopped.

The parish council spokesman added: “We plan to impress upon EHDC that this is a well-used car park and that common sense and goodwill should determine a sensible solution.

“We will also be asking that the closure is rescinded.”