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A former car park could be reopened to create more space for people visiting a popular beauty spot.

Derbyshire County Council is planning to open up the space, in Pit Lane, Shipley, to provide more room for drivers visiting Shipley Country Park from the Ilkeston area.

The council has launched a consultation into the plan for the popular 700 acre (283 hectare) park, located between Nottingham and Derby.

It is also hoped that the scheme will help better control parking and traffic on roads near to Pit Lane.

The council said parking will be monitored through a pay-and-display system which is already in place at the site's Coppiceside car park at the visitor centre and the Mapperley Reservoir car park.

A spokesperson for the authority said it is hoped the car park will also provide space for people who want to ride their horses at the site.

“We are planning to put a barrier on the car park, so that it will be closed off in the evenings to prevent any anti-social behaviour," the spokesperson said.

"Any income gained from this car park would simply be used for the upkeep of the park.”

Locals have until 30 September to respond to the public consultation, after which the council will either approve or reject the plans, the said.

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