ESSENTIAL modernisation work is taking place to replace the lift at Newton Abbot’s multi-storey car park.

The outdated lift has been a source of trouble and complaints from car park users for some years due to its unreliability.

But work was due to start today to replace the lift at the Teignbridge Council-owned car park in Sherbourne Road.

It will be out of action for an estimated eight weeks.

A council spokesman said: ‘Over recent years, the lift has become unreliable and now needs to be replaced to avoid the cost of further repairs due to faults and breakdowns.

‘We understand this may cause inconvenience to people with mobility issues and parents with prams, and are sorry for the disruption.

‘However, the work does need to take place to ensure we can provide a reliable lift in the longer term.’

The lift’s unreliability has been a particular problem for those with mobility issues and parents with pushchairs.

Since the closure of Wilko in 2023, there has been no alternative lift available.

The lift at Wilko was operated by the landlords of the property and since the store shut, it has been permanently closed.

Built in the 1970s, the bridge into Market Walk was added in 1977.

The car park has 296 spaces and provides pay and display parking for long stays of up to 48 hours.

A town centre masterplan appraisal carried out for Teignbridge Council is 2018 described the car park as an ‘unattractive structure which dominates adjacent streets’.

At the time, usage of the car park was said to be low and its vehicle entrance ramp and pedestrian entrances needed to be improved.

Teignbridge Council says alternative disabled parking spaces are available in both Cattle Market and Halcyon Road car park which are nearby.