PARKING problems persist at the Highworth Market.

The road leading into the Market Square is closed and it becomes a pedestrians-only area after 6am every Saturday in order for market stallholders to set up shop for the day.

However, inconsiderate motorists are leaving their cars parked on the square overnight and causing headaches for everyone else.

Over the past few months, the number of cars left there had decreased and the issue seemed to be dealt with once and for all.

But market manager Richard Williams told Highworth councillors that a Saturday in June saw five cars on the site.

Two moved their cars away by 6.30am, one guest of the Saracen’s Head took longer and, despite the efforts of the police’s 101 service, one motorist couldn’t be contacted and Richard had to wait until 10.30 for the owner to eventually turn up and collect his vehicle.

Councillors suggested that the town’s new PCSO patrol the area around 8am on Saturdays to help Richard move any illegally-parked cars out of the area.

It wasn’t all bad news for the market – a haberdashery stall will be added to it by the end of July.

The market could expand even more in future, as councillors discussed the possibility of extending the weekly market road closures to the lane in front of the Highworth Emporium.

This would create more space for stallholders and allow more traders to be part of the weekly market, but would cost a one-off payment of £2,000 for the extra road to be closed.

The matter will be discussed in more detail at future meetings.

In the meantime, councillors will ask the Highworth Emporium’s owners what they think of the suggestion.