PART of the Friarsgate multi-storey car park in Winchester has closed because of safety concerns.

Around 100 parking spaces will be unavailable following the closure on Friday.

Some 130 spaces plus three disabled parking bays are still available for use within the car park.

A city council spokesman said the closure is a precaution and results from a regular inspection by structural engineers which revealed corrosion of some metal reinforcing bars within concrete pillars.

The Friarsgate car park, built in the 1970s, is reaching the end of its life. It is earmarked for demolition as part of the Silver Hill scheme.

There is capacity at the nearby Chesil Street multi-storey and Brooks car parks and in the city’s Park & Ride.

The council apologised for any inconvenience caused.