WORK has started on Bromsgrove's first multi-storey car park.

Diggers moved onto the Churchfields site to scoop out the foundations for the three-storey town centre car park on Monday.

Council leader, Councillor Dennis Norton, (Con-St Johns) said: "This is the next phase in the multi-million pound partnership deal between the district council and ASDA to improve shopping and car parking facilities in Bromsgrove."

Cllr Norton was joined by Wayne Isaac, the store manager at ASDA Bromsgrove, to perform the first dig. Mr Isaac said: "We're delighted to get this work under way. It marks the transformation of the Churchfields car park - providing a massive boost to parking in the town centre."

Preparations have been carried out for the main work to begin on the £10 million scheme for the store's extension and car park.

Bulletin boards around the site and in the town centre will be up-dated as progress continues.

The completion target has been set for late autumn.

Work will also start early in June to change the entrance and layout of the Recreation Road South car park, and will be phased over six consecutive Sundays to keep disruption to a minimum.

New lighting, a dedicated pedestrian access and spaces for disabled people and those with children will be provided. John Moody, Bromsgrove District Council's head of community safety and engineering, said: "We apologise for any inconvenience which may be caused due to the work."