New multi-storey car parks in the town centre could help tackle Witham's parking crisis.

Witham Town Council had formed a Task Force to investigate parking problems across the town to understand what parking provision is needed.

Areas of concern included lack of affordable town centre parking, parking on industrial estates and insufficient commuter parking.

To increase parking capacity in the town centre, their suggestions include

o A new multi-storey car park with 320 spaces and other works behind or over the Newlands Shopping Centre

o Create a new car park on the site of former Bramston Sports Centre

o Redevelopment of land at the rear of former Co-Op store for parking and recreational use

Chris Bailey, head of the task force, said: "I would like to see a lot more parking in the town close to the shops.

"We need to take a leaf out of successful retailers' books like IKEA and Tesco, they never make anybody drive away from their front door to park - you need to be able to see the front door and there's a great amount of psychology used to make it a pleasant experience.

"That understanding of the customer is fundamental."

A car park with an additional 200 spaces on land between Pasture Road and Wheaton Road has been suggested for use by businesses in the area, and to help commuters.

Mr Bailey said car parks are needed rather than a park and ride option, which was also discussed.

He said: "A park and ride will destroy the town, it works in big towns but it's inconvenient to drive a long way out of Witham.

"We need to fill the industrial estates with more parking and the council needs to view it as a service to the community, it costs money but if the shops fill up I don't see anything wrong with that."