A PROPOSED extension to a Bishop’s Waltham car park that will cost £256,000 has received a cash boost from civic chiefs.

Winchester City Council has agreed to contribute an extra £50,000 to the project at Jubilee Hall.

This adds to the contribution of the same amount by the council who say the “vital” car park will benefit the area.

The expansion of Jubilee Hall’s parking area would see 71 additional spaces created into the adjacent field on Little Shore Lane.

However, this will mean the car park will be metered and managed by the city council.

Simon Finch, assistant director for the built environment, said the new spaces would be a good thing the area.

“It will benefit businesses in the town centre and free up spaces near them,” he said.

“It meets a level demanded by locals.”

He added that visitors to the town from neighbouring villages will also benefit as they will have a place to park to do their shopping. This, he said, was a issue raised by many in the past.

Bishop’s Waltham Parish Council said they will fund the remaining £156,000 themselves.

The Parish Council hopes this will offer a solution to the current parking problems in the village.

They are currently conducting a survey to gather people’s views. To complete the survey, Visit: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/PM9NFF2.