TRADERS in Wantage are delighted an unused car park which became a magnet for vandalism is finally set to open.

Not a single vehicle has been parked in Mill Street Undercroft, in Letcombe Mews, since it was built as part of the Limborough Road development in 2007.

But the 35-space car park is set to open next month after the Vale of White Horse District Council finalised a legal agreement with Sainsbury’s following two years of negotiations.

The car park, which will be managed by the council, was a target for antisocial behaviour earlier this year.

It was covered in graffiti and small fires were started in two store cupboards.

Traders in Market Place and Mill Street welcomed the news that it would soon open, saying it would bring more people into the town.

Linda Hatter, of Top Hatters Gifts Boutique, said: “It’s about time. Any extra parking in Wantage is more than welcome. We are now heading in the right direction.”

Peter Casey, of Peter Casey Jewellers, said: “This is really good news.

“It is nice that it will be up and running and that we have all the car parking spaces we were promised when the development was given the go-ahead.”

A council spokesman said the opening was delayed because it was waiting for a legal agreement to be finalised with Sainsbury’s.

Jenny Hannaby, executive member for car parks, said: “After protracted negotiations the deal will now be signed. I look forward to getting the car park open for use by residents, visitors and the business community.”

Linda Scott, Sainsbury’s regional estates manager, said: “We’re pleased that we are very close to completing the car park agreement with the council.”

Mayor Patrick O’Leary said: “This is a facility that unfortunately has taken some time to open. Parking is a big issue in the town.

“The Undercroft will be good for businesses in the centre of Wantage.”

Jim Hetherington, chairman of the Wantage and District Chamber of Commerce, said it had been a long and arduous battle.

The car park will be available to permit holders as well as pay and display customers for long stay and short stay.

Council spokesman Nikki Malin said: “The car park was not built to the required standard and it was the responsibility of Sainsbury’s to resolve this.”

She added it was set to open next month once ticket machines had been installed.

A Sainsbury’s spokesman said: “We have been working very closely with the council to try to open the car park as soon as possible.

“Although it was built to the requirements set out by the council’s building regulations there has been the need for some alterations to the original plan before final handover to the council.”

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