Work has begun on the creation of more than 120 car parking spots in Ely, local councillors have announced.
East Cambridgeshire District Council (ECDC) gave planning permission for the scheme in February of this year, and the Asset Development Committee and local Councillors have worked hard to procure the work to begin this month. The car park is due to open later this year.

The site, which is approximately one acre in size, is located near the old ‘Strikes’ bowling alley. The car park will continue the Angel Drove pricing policy where users are charged a much lower fee than in the rail station car park.

The new car park will be linked to the Angel Drove car park by a proper all weather lit path suitable for buggies and wheelchairs etc.

Cllr Bill Hunt, Chair of the ECDC Asset Development Committee commented: “The extra spaces will have a positive impact for commuters but it will also help reduce congestion on the A10 and improve traffic flow by removing cars from using local roads.
“Coupled with the opening of the new Cambridge North railway station, it means that travelling to work by train for people in our district has become much more viable.
“This initiative will very positively impact on the lives of commuters; not only because they will have a better chance of getting a space, but also because this car park will be significantly cheaper than the station car park.”

Vice Chair of the Asset Development Committee, Cllr Lisa Stubbs added: “We want to encourage more people to use rail as a way of getting to and from work so this will go a long way towards this. It also means more people can work in the hustle and bustle of Cambridge but can live in the quieter and somewhat cheaper suburbs without having too much of a commute. This benefits Ely and takes parking pressure away from streets like Potter's Lane and Dovehouse Close."

Work also involves a raised pedestrian pathway which will ease access to the station and add to site security.