FORUM Car Park in Cirencester reopened at 10am today after a delay caused by unseasonably warm weather.

The car park was expected to open during the latter part of Tuesday, April 21, but high temperatures hindered the setting process for the newly laid tarmac.

Cotswold District Council parking services manager Maria Wheatley said:“The contractors have now finished the resurfacing and relining work, and the car park is open for use again on a permanent basis.

“We feared that wet weather might hold things up when we planned to reopen on April 22 but, ironically, the remarkably hot April weather caused the slight delay.

“Over the next few days, I would urge users to exercise caution 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.”

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.

Despite the on-going renovation, the contractors managed to free up about 85 spaces for daily use with the exception of a brief period last week when the car park had to close temporarily for electrical work involving a large crane.

The car park was then closed again from Sunday 19 through to Tuesday 21 April for resurfacing and relining to be carried out.