A TOWN car park will be closed until August while it undergoes a revamp.

Improvement works are set to take place in Abbott’s Yard, a short stay car park in Darlington town centre, to replace the drainage system and improve the layout of spaces.

The car park, which is accessed via Bondgate and exits on to Skinnergate, will be closed to all traffic and pedestrians for the duration of the work, which is due to begin on Monday, June 8.

It is expected to be complete by early August.

The work will include improvements to drainage, a full resurface and new lining.

The project had been scheduled to take place in May but was delayed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Darlington Borough Council staff working on the scheme have confirmed the job can be done while allowing for social distancing and safe working practices, but only if it is also shut to the public.

Councillor Andy Keir, cabinet member for local services, said: “Abbott’s Yard is a key car park in the town, offering easy access to shops and services on High Row and the centre of Darlington.

“We haven’t taken the decision lightly to close it to the public for the duration of the works but it is the only way to ensure the site is safe and contractors can work at the required distances.

“One benefit of closing the car park is that the overall programme of works is shorter than it would be if we were to carry out the work in sections, keeping parts of the site open.

“It makes sense to close the car park at this time, while the level of traffic is lower, and it also has the added benefit of removing almost all traffic from the north end of Skinnergate, where pavements are very narrow, to allow us to add in social distancing measures.

“It’s good to know that important improvement works such as this are starting up again, keeping well-used facilities in the best condition possible for visitors to the town centre.”

Residents and business owners operating off Abbott’s Yard have been informed directly about the works and access to their properties will be maintained throughout.

Parking in all council-run car parks and on street parking remains free.

Visitors to the town centre can use the nearest council car parks which are at Winston Street and Commercial Street.

Some on-street parking in the town centre, in Grange Road, Northumberland Street and Duke Street has been suspended from this week, as part of measures aimed at allowing for social distancing.