Wiltshire Council deputy leader John Thomson has praised the work of the Malmesbury Area Board, which he says has helped improve the town’s long stay car park.

Police and councillors had received complaints from neighbouring residents about anti social behaviour and noise pollution from young motorists congregating there.

Following the complaints police agreed to regularly patrol the area and the council arranged for surrounding vegetation to be cut down. The council has also agreed to prune trees around street lamps, re-paint markings and upgrade the lighting.

Coun Thomson, who chairs the area board, said: “Area boards are designed to enable local people to get their voices heard, and this is a prime example of how we are listening and rectifying genuine local concerns.

“The feedback from local residents has been very positive and, while young people still congregate in the area, residents say they are quieter and they are pleased to see the maintenance of the car park.”

Nearby resident Art Robb was pleased to see the improvement. He said: “It is certainly a considerable improvement from a year ago.

“Before it was overgrown and felt quite secluded. The key now is to get more people parking using it, there are 180 spaces down there and only six or seven cars parked there overnight.”