WORK is under way on a £4m multi-storey car park in the centre of Harrogate.

The old car-park, in Oxford Street, has been demolished, ahead of schedule, to make way for the new building.

The council's chief engineer, Martin Weeks, said: "The contractors have been using the very latest in modern machinery, which greatly reduced the noise levels and dust normally associated with works of this nature.

"Gone are the days of swinging a ball and chain from a crane jib and that is why the site was cleared so quickly."

Mr Weeks said work was well advanced on the foundations for the structure and first columns will be built shortly. He said the construction should be completed by autumn, well in time for the rush of Christmas shoppers.