A MAJOR boost to town centre car parking in Evesham could be on the cards following positive talks between the district and county councils.

Wychavon District Council is anxious to acquire a site owned by Worcestershire County Council at Swan Lane and Chapel Street.

Plans, which would include a substantial addition to the number of parking spaces available in Evesham, have won backing from the Vale of Evesham Commerce and Tourism Association (VECTA).

"The acquisition of the old school buildings is vital to the development of the town centre," VECTA chairman Vernon Powell told a seminar .

Local authorities are expected to get the best value for taxpayers' money when disposing of surplus property.

However, county council spokesman Lee Shrimpton said: "This does not necessarily mean selling for the highest price if there is a demonstrable community benefit gained by accepting a lower offer."

That could assist the district council in the face of opposition from the private sector.

Mr Shrimpton said: "We are disposing of the buildings, which became vacant in 2006, as a single option, although the county council has retained the usage of the area for the foreseeable future.

"When properties become available, it is public sector practice to first offer sites to other councils. Because we knew that Wychavon was interested in buying, we delayed putting the site on the market straight away until such time that they were ready to put their bid together.

"We are now in negotiations with Wychavon District Council about purchasing the site. Another meeting took place this morning (Wednes-day, April 25) and again was very positive.

"Parties from the private sector have expressed interest, so it wouldn't be in the public interest to disclose potential sale prices until deals have been completed."