A NEW car park for Ashwell and Morden Station is on the agenda. Commuters have been forced to park on grass verges next to nearby roads since July 2007, when landowner Jeremy Fordham closed a free car park on a piece of his land near the station. However,

A NEW car park for Ashwell and Morden Station is on the agenda.

Commuters have been forced to park on grass verges next to nearby roads since July 2007, when landowner Jeremy Fordham closed a free car park on a piece of his land near the station.

However, plans are now afoot for a new, barrier-controlled car park, complete with closed circuit television, to be built on the land.

Cllr Linda Oliver, who represents the Mordens on Cambridgeshire County Council, has been working with Mr Fordham and the local parish councils to try to find a solution to the parking problem.

She said: "We're currently working on a questionnaire to give out to commuters who use the station to find out how much they are prepared to pay for parking.

"We think we should be able to provide it at a lower cost than the train company's contractor.

"Mr Fordham has agreed to pay for the installation of the car park, and the revenues would be split between him and the parish councils.

"I'm pleased as punch that we're making progress."

The car park was originally closed down after Mr Fordham received a �1,300 rates bill from South Cambridgeshire District Council.

He said at the time: "I am perfectly willing to allow temporary free parking on my land, but I do not expect to be charged by South Cambridgeshire District Council for doing so."

Planning permission for the new car park was granted some time ago, and Cllr Oliver says its design will be "in keeping with the local rural environment.