A popular town centre car park has been closed suddenly after maintenance checks threw up safety concerns.

There was no indication of when the Mell Square facility in Solihull would reopen.

The details emerged as the town’s stores geared up for their busiest time of year in the build-up to Christmas.

Mell Square Car Park in Solihull which has just been closed to the public
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The car park, near Solihull’s House of Fraser branch, was underwent routine monitoring on Tuesday but Solihull Council said more checks needed to be done and it would remain closed until further notice.

With less than four weeks until Christmas, the decision means festive shoppers will have to find alternative parking.

On social media, disgruntled motorists said the decision was ill-timed.

Zoe Jackson said: “Wow, wrong time of year for this to happen.”

Sue Rudge added: “There are not enough car parks as it for this time of year so shutting that one ....

“Solihull shops will lose out on customers now.”

Hayley Wyton commented: “What about the cars that are parked in there now?”

Shoppers were being advised to use alternative car parks at the following locations: Brueton Park, Council House, Dominion Court car park, Lode Lane, Malvern Park, Monkspath Hall Road car park, Tudor Grange Leisure Centre and Blossomfield Road

There was also parking at John Lewis and Touchwood.

A Solihull Council spokesman said: “ We won’t know the timescale until further checks are carried out. When we do, we will update people.”