Parking woes for shoppers

Shoppers in Wellington are facing parking chaos when one of the town's main car parks is temporarily closed with the loss of 130 spaces.

Markets bosses today said they had no choice but to shut the Market Street car park for desperately needed resurfacing works and repairs to broken barriers.

They said motorists had been taking advantage of the damaged barriers and parking all day for free for the last 10 weeks.

But worried traders and councillors fear the closure – for up to four days from June 19 – will see shoppers, fed-up at being unable to find a parking space, going elsewhere.

They also fear the town's one-way system could be gridlocked as frustrated drivers hunt for a free parking space.

The town has already been blighted by parking problems since The Parade car park was closed to make way for the new transport hub.

Councillors have complained the lack of car parking was driving people away and council chiefs were forced to open The Charlton car park as a temporary measure.

Today Councillor Gary Davies, for College Ward, said: "I'm sure that they are having to do some remedial works which is going to be good for the car park and the town.

"But unfortunately it is not the best time to do it with The Parade car park being completely gone and the work commencing on the bus station. The timing is not great but I hope that the market company can get it finished as soon as possible. If they can half the closure time it would be better."

Mike Higginbotham, for the Wellington Market Company, today said: "Resurfacers are coming in on June 20 so, to make sure there is nobody parked on the car park that day, I have decided to close it at midnight on June 19. We expect the work to be completed and the car park back up and running by the Tuesday.

"I have had to state 'until further notice' on signs because the work could run into the Tuesday but hopefully it will be finished by the Monday." He said the barriers were also being repaired.

By Kirsty Smallman