PARKING difficulties in Marlborough will ease from Tuesday November 21when a 90-space extension to the Waitrose car park is opened.

Store manager Alan Martin said the new extension, part of the supermarket's £8 million expansion programme, will be managed by Kennet District Council.

The council has pay and display car parks beside the new area, which will be reached from it .

Mr Martin said: "I am delighted that the contractors have been able to regain the original historic burgage wall and are building another wall using natural materials which will provide a walk-way between the car parking areas."

On Monday town councillors welcomed the additional stretch of Riverside Walk provided by the Waitrose expansion scheme.

It extends the path from the George Lane car park through to the Town Mill and which is expected to be open soon.

Chamber of Commerce president Florence Cavanagh said the additional car parking would be welcomed by Marlborough shoppers.

"On behalf of Marlborough Chamber of Commerce I would like to congratulate Waitrose on their new car park," she said.

The timing is perfect for the Victorian Evening and for the Christmas shoppers visiting Marlborough."