THE newly refurbished Forum Car Park in Cirencester is almost complete and should reopen on the morning of April 22.

A Cotswold District Council (CDC) spokesman said: “The car park was expected to open during the latter part of Tuesday, April 21, but the hotter than average temperatures have hindered the setting process for the newly laid tarmac.

“As a result, the car park will not be useable until tomorrow.

“Once it is ready for use, the council will tip off the local media, post notices on its website (www.cotswold.gov.uk) and social media account (@CotswoldDC).

“Additionally, officers will place ‘Open’ notices at the car park.”

Contractor Griffiths began work on February 9 to install new drainage, reduce external walling, lay kerbing and remove tree stumps.

They also remodelled the entrance and exits, improved pedestrian access, installed new payment machines and constructed a new pedestrian access ramp.

CDC Parking Services Manager Maria Wheatley said: “The contractors have almost finished the resurfacing and relining work, and the car park should be available on the morning of Wednesday 22 April.

“We feared that wet weather might hold things up but, ironically, it's the remarkably hot April weather which has caused this slight delay.

“When the car park reopens, I would urge users to exercise caution over the next few days because workmen will still be on site finishing off some of the detailed work such as landscaping and attending to walls.

“On behalf of the Council, I would like to thank motorists and nearby residents and businesses for their cooperation during the refurbishment.”