THE long-awaited car park extension at Lydney Railway Station - with its capacity more than doubling from 86 to 186 - has finally been rubber stamped by the county council.

This ends two years of doubt after Network Rail initially pulled the plug on an agreement to lease land at the station for the extra parking.

However, after further negotiations, the deal was finally approved in March and last week formal planning permission was granted.

At present, commuters and other rail users are often forced to park on the road.

Lydney is the only Forest town with a mainline railway station, which contributes significantly to the accessibility of the town.

With new homes and employment land set for the town over the next decade, more parking will be crucial in encouraging people to use services which have been increased by Arriva Trains Wales and Cross Country Trains in recent years.

Councillor Nigel Moor, cabinet member responsible for transport said: "This is great news for Foresters. It’s been clear for some time that demand for car parking at Lydney Station is far greater than what is currently available.

“We’ve worked hard with the Forest of Dean District Council, Lydney Town Council and Network Rail to make the extra 100 spaces a reality.”