PLANS to create around 100 extra car parking spots in a Lune Valley town are being drawn up to address complaints from businesses about a lack of available spaces.

A report based on a parking study in the town reveals that Kendal-based Lake District Estates is preparing a planning application to provide more parking between Devil's Bridge and Wood Close Caravan Park, which the company owns at Kirkby Lonsdale.

Businesses nearby have complained about losing customers due to a lack of available parking places and that their employees struggle to find spaces to leave their their vehicles.

And traders are also worried visitors to Kirkby Lonsdale are being forced to leave the market town early due to time running out on their tickets.

“In South Lakeland District Council’s car parks you cannot buy a ticket for longer than 24 hours, so I have guests who have got to keep going back to their cars every day," said Mark Fuller, who runs the Sun Inn and carried out a study of the town's parking problems. “It’s ridiculous. People don't want to be worried about their cars when they go away on holiday. They want to go out for walks and relax.”

The study found that hoteliers would benefit from a permit system so they can offer parking places to their guests. It also advocated clear sign posting directing people to spaces and permits for householders.

“It’s a complex puzzle to sort out the town's parking issues but if all the stakeholders work together solutions can be found,” said Mr Fuller.

A meeting between Cumbria county councillor Ian Stewart and town council chairman Allan Muirhead has taken place about the parking issue.

“We want to make proper use of the spaces we have got,” said Mr Muirhead. “People circle the town centre looking for spaces when there are lots of empty ones near Booths. They won’t walk the distance.”

Town resident Tracy Eglin, who runs The Hair & Beauty Emporium, said she had problems with drivers blocking in her car at her home.

“I couldn't get to a wedding because someone had blocked me in,” said Mrs Eglin. “I went round all the pubs to see if I could find the owner.”

She said her customers often complained about lack of parking.