A bitter dispute over the use of a community carpark in East Bowral will be resolved through mediation.

Tension has mounted in the past few months between hirers of the East Bowral Community Centre and the owners of the Scottish Arms Inn at East Bowral over the 45 space shared car parking area.

Owner of the Scottish Arms, Peter Robertson claims members of the Southern Highlands Bridge Club are monopolising the car parking spaces and potential lunchtime customers have been turned away because of a lack of parking.

But the Bridge Club has denied the claims and has alleged that Mr Robertson is unfairly targeting the club and harassing its members over the issue.

Wingecarribee Council was told on Tuesday (July 24) that the Bridge Club only uses the community centre for three half days a week, as the facility is shared with 7 other regular hirers and the Wingecarribee Children's Service Office. 

A recommendation to restrict the Bridge Club's weekend hiring hours was rejected and council has sent the parties to professional mediation to try and find a solution which is acceptable to everyone.

Staff will also look into the feasibility of creating extra on-site parking spaces next to the existing carpark.