The Mayor of Trowbridge has said something needs to be done about an "eyesore' car park in the town.
St Stephen’s Place multi-storey car park, which provides direct access to Castle Place Shopping Centre and to the town park, has seen dozens of bays closed off for more than a month as Wiltshire Council has appointed an engineer to investigate the structure as repairs were required.
In mid-May, the Wiltshire Times reported Wiltshire Council has said it has received a report from the engineers and was currently considering the recommendations made in the report.
The future of the multi-storey car park still appears to be under consideration.
On Tuesday, June 24, the council said it was still “considering” the engineers’ report.
Posting on social media Trowbridge’s mayor, Cllr Stephen Cooper said that the council needed to share the plans, and that the car park must be brought up to date.
He said: “Love it or loath it, Trowbridge's multi-storey car park is a landmark in our town. Wiltshire Council (who own and administer the car park) need to share their vision for its future with us now.
“Personally, if we are to retain it, it must be brought up to date and its terms of use revised.
“Structurally it must be made safe and secure.
“Visually it cannot continue to be an eyesore in the heart of our town.
Cllr Helen Belcher, cabinet member for Assets, said the car park remain opens.
She said: “Castle Place multi storey car park remains open, with more than 330 spaces available for people to use.
“Only a limited number of bays on levels 2a and 3a are closed. We have received a report from our structural engineers and are currently considering the matter.”
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Cllr Stephen Cooper added: "Operationally, the bays are too small for many modern cars and the two tier free parking (2 hours or 24 hours) is unnecessary.
“If we are to retain this car park, widen all the bays (but because of the placing of the support pillars this would mean losing one third of the spaces).
“But then make all floors four hours free parking between 8am and 6pm with ANPR control/enforcement (if you are visiting the town to shop during the day, four hours should be enough whilst two is definitely too little). Outside these hours, or on a Sunday, free parking on all floors.”
Readers and residents also responded to the news the council was still considering the report.
Responding to the latest update, a reader named Peter commented: “Would be a shame to lose this useful asset to the town.
"It will be particularly useful when the council starts filling it's £10 million 'Old Town Hall' with sell-out gigs etc.”
Responding to the Wiltshire Times's request for comment, Cllr Helen Belcher, cabinet member for Assets, said: “We appreciate that there is significant interest in the future of the Castle Place multi storey car park.
"The car park remains open, with more than 330 spaces available for people to use. Following an initial structural report, we are assessing the options and awaiting further advice which will inform our next steps.
"We’re aware there are many stakeholders, including local councillors, so as soon as we’re in a position to confirm the specific details, which should be soon, we’ll ensure everyone is aware of the plans.”
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