A popular car park on the Essex/Suffolk border is closing for several months while it is used as compound for bridge repair work.

Dedham’s Mill Pond car park will shut from Monday, January 7 until the end of March 2019 as Suffolk County Council use it for major bridge works.

Colchester Borough Council own the car park, but it will be used by Suffolk workers while they revamp and repair the nearby B1029 Dedham Road Bridge.

Mill Pond was described as the “most suitable” location for the task, as it has direct access to the bridge and water.

Colchester borough’s Mike Lilley, responsible for public safety and licensing, hopes the nearby Mill Lane Car Park in Dedham can be used while Mill Pond is out of action.

He said: “We apologise of any inconvenience caused by this closure.

“However, Suffolk County Council needs to complete these essential bridge works, and using the car park as a compound is the best solution.

“The nearby, and much larger, Mill Lane Car Park will remain open throughout this period so visitors, shoppers, workers can continue to enjoy Dedham and all the wonderful walks, shops and places to eat.”