A Cotswold parish council member has resigned in protest over the handling of a controversial temporary coach parking scheme in Bourton-on-the-Water. Councillor Jon Wareing stepped down amid growing concerns that legitimate public health and safety issues surrounding the Meadow Way stop-gap solution were dismissed during a recent special parish council meeting.
Gloucestershire County Council has introduced a temporary drop-off and pick-up scheme designed to manage coach traffic in the popular Cotswold village—an initiative initially supported by the parish council. However, following an extraordinary meeting called by three councillors to address public concerns and consider withdrawing support, the council ultimately voted to maintain the scheme despite widespread opposition.
Cllr Wareing highlighted serious reservations from residents and coach operators about the safety and practicality of the plan. According to operator feedback, the scheme is “ill-thought-through and prone to operational disasters,” with the chosen site near a junction deemed unsafe.
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“I chose to resign because the Meadow Way experimental traffic order was implemented without a thorough, democratic process analyzing its pros and cons,” said Cllr Wareing. “There was no meaningful discussion about residents’ legitimate safety concerns or the impact on local coach services, some of which have ceased operations as a direct result.”
He added that the scheme’s unintended negative effects on visitor experience were “nonsensical and baffling,” and expressed disappointment in the council’s dismissal of community opposition. “This was a missed opportunity to truly embody our stated mission to place community at the heart of our decisions.”
Though stepping down from the parish council, Cllr Wareing will continue his role representing Bourton Village on the Cotswold District Council. He is exploring forming a residents’ association aimed at amplifying local voices and addressing the village’s social, environmental, and economic challenges.
“Residents need an organized platform, similar to how local tourism businesses have united. Those interested in forming a Residents’ Association can contact me at [email protected]—I will support efforts to move this forward,” he said.
Bourton Parish Council declined to comment on the resignation.