THE lease for a long-stay, commuter car park with more than 200 spaces is being surrendered by a council.

Colchester Council will be surrendering the lease it has to operate part of Middleborough Car Park as a public car park next Friday (February 12).

The council is ending the tenancy for a variety of reasons, including the increased costs associated with the maintenance and the reduction of use seen in recent years.

The car park has 214 parking spaces and has been used by commuters or people wanting to park for several hours at a time.

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

However, the park and and ride service is being suspended until further notice from Saturday.

Mike Lilley, Colchester Council’s portfolio holder for communities, wellbeing and public safety, said: “The council understands that the supply and provision of adequate, accessible and good quality car parking is important to residents, visitors and businesses.

“It’s important to strike a balance between adequate parking provision, cost and support for businesses in these uncertain times, alongside our Strategic Vision of tackling the climate emergency and leading sustainability.

“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.”

Parking permit and season ticket holders for Middleborough Car Park have already been notified of the changes and been offered alternative parking provision.

Signage informing motorists of the upcoming change has also been installed.

Alternative nearby council-owned car parks include Sheepen Road and St Mary’s Car Park.