'Visible progress' as car park demolition begins

Demolition work on the upper floors has begun, the council says

Demolition of a disused multi-storey car park has begun.

The structure, in Cannock, closed in 2019 and will be dismantled – with work having taken place so far including removal of asbestos and three towers.

Cannock Chase District Council said it marked a major step forward in the town centre's regeneration, as visible progress was being made on site.

Demolition of the lower floors is expected to take place in the coming week, with the full demolition due to be completed by October.

It is being brought down level by level, with the uppermost section almost entirely dismantled already, according to the council.

The car park was built in 1977 but was shut nearly six years ago over concerns about its structural integrity.

"While it may seem like little has happened on site, a great deal of preparatory work has been taking place behind the scenes," said councillor Maureen Freeman, portfolio leader for regeneration and high streets.

"It is great to finally see the structure finally coming down whilst ensuring that it is done safety."

Before demolition could begin, a glass canopy had to be removed to allow scaffolding to be put in place.

Contractors had to remove asbestos, as well as clearing "significant amounts" of pigeon droppings and other hazardous waste, including discarded sharps.