Car park closure is imminent (From Stroud News and Journal)

Car park closure is imminent

MERRYWALKS NCP car park is to close next month for a major makeover to prepare it for use alongside the sparkling new multi-million cinema and leisure complex.

It will close to all but season ticket holders on Monday, March 21 and totally from Monday, April 4 until Monday, April 18.

Graham Read, speaking on behalf of construction giant Costain and Merrywalks owner, Manchester-based Streetlands, described the work as the "most significant investment in the car park since its construction 30 years ago".

The closure for refurbishment, including creating an access at the top of Bath Street, an exit onto Rowcroft Retreat and an overhaul of the top floors, will leave regular users trawling town for alternative parking.

Season ticket holder Justine King, reception manager at Gloucester Street's Vogue Hair Fashions, said: "It's going to be an absolute nightmare. We're not sure where we're going to park at the moment. The station car park is always packed and the Brunel car park is quite a long way away.

"We don't finish work till late and it's quite a long way to walk in the dark on your own. I wouldn't fancy walking along there on my own at that time."

NCP spokesman Tim Cowan said season ticket holders would be refunded for the time they are not able to use the car park.

Stroud District Council announced it would open the upper storeys of London Road's Brunel multi-storey car park to ease demand.

Council spokesman Dave Marshall said: "Given overall there's capacity in the town I don't think it will have a detrimental effect on people. A few might have to walk a bit further but beyond that I don't see a particular problem with it."