Following extensive and expert repairs, a section of Westgate Car Park in Lewes has been reopened.
The massive flint ‘Town Wall’ at Westgate Street showed signs of shifting in 2020 and emergency shoring up was required, cutting off some car parking. However, further investigation showed additional risks of the wall collapsing at various points and the car park had to be closed completely.
Councillor Wendy Maples, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Well-Being, said:
“I’m delighted we have been able to make some of the parking spaces accessible again.
“Ensuring the work is done properly by skilled professionals has been an absolute priority – alongside ensuring people’s safety.
“Lewes has many flint walls that have had poor repairs over the years, using inappropriate materials that actually cause deterioration. A combination of that and the impacts of climate change are serious challenges – and we clearly need more specialists in this field to meet those challenges.”
Around half of the spaces that were out of use are now available again, as the last phase of work to repair the wall is focussed on a smaller area.
Councillor Nick Kortalla-Bird, Castle Ward, said:
“I know local businesses and residents will welcome having the car parking spaces back, and we’ll all look forward to celebrating when the wall is fully repaired.”
