Town-centre sites at the Ham looked at

SIDMOUTH’S two main town-centre car parks have been the subject of a development probe by community representatives hopeful of a regeneration scheme at Port Royal.

And East Devon District Council (EDDC) chiefs say they need to decide “how to take this initial work on to the next stage” as they look at the future of the Ham East and West facilities – which have a combined total of 266 spaces.

The authority is reviewing its off-street car parks across the town and in Sidford and Sidbury.

A council spokesperson said both car parks at the Ham have been the subject of a study by residents and business-people, with a view to creating a brief that would give an indication of future development opportunities in the area.

“While some very good background work was undertaken, this did not lead to any viable opportunities to present to the wider community for consultation. It’s anticipated that this work will be developed further in due course,” said the spokesperson.

“In view of the current review of all the district’s car parks, it seems sensible to take account of the preliminary work done on the Port Royal area within the new study.”