The safety of a popular car park in the town centre has been thrown into question, with discussions of its closure on the horizon.

Next week the council’s executive will be asked to make a decision on the future of High Street car park following structural engineer advice that it is "coming to the end of its life".

While the car park currently remains safe to use, independent surveyors have advised the council that it should be closed this year. 

High Street car park was built in the 1970s and has already had its middle parking bays closed to the public in order to spread the weight load. This decision was made to provide a temporary solution to keep it safe and open.

However, a recent report by surveyors stated that this cannot continue as the structure is "corroding".

They have recommended closing the car park as the level of corrosion within the concrete reinforcement cannot be remedied.  

Should the executive agree to close the car park, it would be able to remain open safely until the end of October.

Work would then begin to secure the site and decommission it – which would be completed before the end of the year.

High Street car park is thought to be used mainly by council staff and a handful of monthly season ticket holders.

A Bracknell Forest Council spokesperson added: "It is not the car park of choice for shoppers or those visiting The Lexicon."

"Bracknell town centre has lots of alternative car parks available. Braccan Walk, Princess Square, Albert Road and Weather Way are all within walking distance of the town centre.

"The closure of High Street car park should not impact on people’s ability to park, as only The Avenue car park reaches capacity at Christmas peak times, while others have plenty of space all year round."

Structural engineers have advised that the businesses under High Street car park could remain in place safely until 2025, subject to regular inspections.

The executive will also be asked to add High Street car park to the overall Bracknell town centre masterplan, which sets out redevelopment opportunities - set to be discussed in autumn. 

Kevin Gibbs, executive director for delivery, added: “The safety of all our car park users is of paramount importance.

“The simple issue is that the car park was built more than 50 years ago when vehicles weren’t as heavy.

"The weight load of heavy, modern vehicles has put considerable pressure on the structure, which is corroding and cannot be fixed."

The executive will be discussing High Street car park on Tuesday, July 18.