THE lease for a long-stay town centre car park with hundreds of spaces is being surrendered by Colchester Council.

The council will be surrendering the lease it has to operate part of Middleborough car park as a public car park next Friday.

It is ending the tenancy for 214 parking spaces for a variety of reasons, including the increased costs associated with the maintenance and drop in usage.

The council said its parking strategy recommends reducing car journeys into town at peak times when alternatives such as Colchester’s park and ride are available.

The park and ride service is currently suspended due to the pandemic.

Mike Lilley, Colchester Council’s portfolio holder for communities, wellbeing and public safety, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has impacted on the way people travel and use their vehicles, and usage of Middleborough car park has dropped by 50 per cent since the start of 2019.

“Bearing these factors in mind alongside costs, the council’s budget gap and the considerable financial uncertainty created by the pandemic, surrendering the lease is the right action to take.”

However, some drivers claim the car park is still used by many residents.

Billie Batten-Jones said: “Councillors obviously haven’t had to sit at the top of the car park for an hour waiting to get out of it before.”

Emily Shewring said the car park was often full before her 10.30am shift started.

The car park will continue to operate privately for businesses based at the Octagon.

Permit and season ticket holders have been notified of the changes and offered alternative parking provision.

Signage informing motorists of the upcoming change has also been installed

Alternative nearby council-owned car parks include St Mary’s car park.