SHOPPERS are being urged to prepare for the closure of popular town centre parking spots.

Both Manor Street and Victoria Street car parks in Braintree are due to close at 7pm on Sunday, March 1 ahead of the beginning of major construction work to regenerate the town centre.

A new twin level car park, bigger bus interchange, a health centre, 35 homes and a Travelodge hotel are all set to be built along Manor Street.

The work means both car parks will be out of action and Braintree Council is advising visitors to use other parking areas in Station Approach, George Yard multi-storey and at Causeway House.

Sainsbury’s and Tesco supermarkets also offer shoppers short and long stay options.

Council's corporate transformation boss John McKee said: “There are several excellent alternative car parking options convenient for the town centre for drivers to use during the build phase which will help mitigate the impact of these closures.

“We do realise however that these changes may cause some inconvenience at first and ask that people bear with us because when complete this project will bring many benefits to both residents and businesses.

“It will bring improved services, fresh investment and jobs into the town centre.”

The new twin level car park in Manor Street will open when the regeneration scheme is completed next year.