A CITY centre car park popular with commuters is to shut for three months for essential maintenance.

Townfield Street car park, adjacent to Chelmsford train station, will temporarily close for work on Monday, July 21, with work due to be completed in October.

Work being carried out includes the installation of new movement joints, applying protective coatings to the decks, walls, ceilings and columns, new bay markings and the internal redecoration of all staircase towers. All external woodwork will also be re-stained.

Alternative parking is being offered at car parks in Rectory Lane, Coval Lane, Glebe Road and Fairfield Road.

Attendants will be available at Townfield Street car park from 5.30am-9am on Monday to Friday during the course of the works to assist drivers by providing leaflets, maps and information on alternative car parks.

Regular updates will be provided on Chelmsford Council's website at www.chelmsford.gov.uk/parkingnews.

The movement of parkers from Townfield Street to other car parks may have some impact on Annual 7 Season tickets holders who have been informed that they will be able to park at an additional car park to the scheme, Wharf Road, until works are completed.

A council spokesperson said: "The council has chosen to undertake these works at a time when the number of users of Townfield Street car park is at its lowest; nevertheless, it is aware that this closure may have an effect on other long-stay car parks in the city.

"The council wishes to apologise for any inconvenience it may cause and thank drivers for their patience whilst these essential works are undertaken."

The Council will announce when the work has been completed on their website, site notices and via Twitter. Those wishing to be emailed updates on the works can let the council know by emailing carparks@chelmsford.gov.uk.