Fire damaged car park to be shut for repairs

Allan Watkiss/BBC An exterior shot of a car park. It is a 1960s Brutalist-style structure. Access to the car park has been blocked off with red traffic barriers. There is a person seated on the wall at the front of the facility.Allan Watkiss/BBC
The upper floors at George Street car park have been closed since a car fire in April

A multi-storey car park in Hull is to close to allow repairs and cleaning to areas affected by a car fire.

The blaze broke out in a vehicle on the third floor of the George Street site on 1 April with flames spreading to the roof area, leading to the top three floors subsequently being closed.

No casualties were reported in the incident, which Humberside Fire and Rescue Service said was believed to have been accidental.

The entire car park will be shut from Monday for seven days, Hull City Council said.

Mark Ieronimo, the council's portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure, said he recognised the closure of the car park's upper floors had been "frustrating for many residents, businesses and visitors".

He added: "However, safety is our top priority. Following the fire, it was essential that we took the time to fully assess the damage and put in place the right programme of cleaning and repairs to make sure the area is safe, clean and ready for use again."

Meanwhile, complaints have been made about anti-social behaviour in the city-centre car park.

The BBC found evidence of drug taking and homeless people sleeping there, with the council saying it was considering bringing in security guards.

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