‘Structural concerns’ to see car park remain shut

A MULTI-STOREY car park in Weston-super-Mare town centre will remain partially closed for several months after “structural concerns” were raised.

A recent survey of the Carlton Street car park’s upper floors (levels 2 and above) uncovered structural concerns and lifts which need replacing.

North Somerset Council confirmed the upper floors of Carlton Street car park will remain closed for the foreseeable future. The lower floors (level 1 and 1a) were also assessed and will remain open.

Options for the reopening of the upper floors are under consideration, but a council spokesman said “it is likely that they will be closed for a number of months”. The council is also exploring its options for legal action in relation to the construction and ownership of the building, which it leases.

Cllr Hannah Young, executive member with responsibility for parking services at North Somerset Council, said: “The safety of Carlton Street car park users is paramount and it’s necessary for us to close the upper floors while we assess our options. We have extended the opening hours of other car parks nearby and there are good public transport links into the town. We will also monitor demand and traffic impacts and if there are ongoing problems will look at anything else we can do to help reduce impacts of the closure.

“We are in talks with legal advisers and expert surveyors and are exploring all options with the aim of reopening the car park as soon as possible.”

North Somerset Council is aware of the potential impact on residents and visitors to the town and will be putting in place a number of measures.

A council spokesman added: “The council will monitor demand and traffic pressures resulting from the partial closure of Carlton Street and, if there is particularly high demand, explore options for opening Dolphin Square, providing spaces for up to 200 additional vehicles.”

Motorists are being advised to alternatively park at The Sovereign, Locking Road, or Weston seafront, where evening parking is free of charge.