A POOLE town centre shoppers’ car park has reopened after extensive repair works.

The Serpentine Lane car park, which serves Falkland Square, has suffered from a long-standing problem of rainwater leaking into the shops below.

The issue was caused by the deterioration of two expansion joints, which have now been repaired.

The works also involved the replacement of the surfacing for the entire car park, the water-proofing system and the cladding of the brickwork parapets.

Repairs were also made to the stairwells’ brickwork and a new low-energy lighting system has been installed to reduce energy consumption and provide more even lighting levels across the car park.

John Rice, engineering manager at Borough of Poole, said: “This car park has had ongoing problems with leaks.

“We have now completed a programme of extensive repairs to resolve this long-standing problem once and for all and provide relief to those shops which have suffered from leaks over a number of years. This roof-top car park is now available for public use giving a welcome boost to residents and visitors to Poole in the busy shopping period leading up to Christmas.”