‘We were waiting for May but I haven’t seen any work’

When ABC revealed its plans for the car park earlier this year, it said prices would be slashed to encourage shoppers.

Before the car park shut in September it cost £1.60 to park hourly, but ABC says it will cost £1 per hour up to four hours under its control.

If the ANPR pilot is successful the Edinburgh Road car park will also become cashless.

It will cost the council just under £53,000 to install the system at Park Mall, which would rise to £137,500 if Edinburgh Road was upgraded.

Kati Ramsden, owner of Bare Bazaar in Park Mall, says she is disappointed the car park isn’t reopening this month.

“There was an overnight effect on footfall when it closed and we’ve been holding out until May so it’s really disappointing to find out that it’s going to take longer,” she said.

“There has been a big problem with litter and fly-tipping while it’s been shut, kids being intimidating, and I’ve had to call security a few times so I’m not pleased to hear it will take longer because I have customers asking after it all the time.

“A lot of the litter has been cleaned but I haven’t seen any work taking place yet which suggests it is not going to be a short delay.”

Vince Monticelli, owner of The Record Store, said: “It has definitely been impactful but has it affected trade?

“I don’t know because if people really want to come here, they will find somewhere else to park because we’re a destination.

“It is a pain to be honest. The other thing is deliveries. When people bring second-hand stuff like a collection we now have a back door that is useless.

“Shutting a car park doesn’t seem like a big deal but it is.”

Vince Monticelli, owner of The Record Store