MP backs 'sensible' car park demolition

'SHORT-TERM PAIN FOR BUSINESSES IS WORTH LONG-TERM GAIN'

- By OLIVER PRIDMORE

THE demolition of a multi-storey car park in Mansfield has been described as a “sensible” move, despite concerns that the work could harm nearby businesses.

The town’s MP says the Walkden Street car park is a “danger” and has welcomed the decision to knock it down, but Mansfield District Council is in a legal wrangle with Tesco over the issue.

Many businesses near the car park are also near two large shopping centres being demolished and some said their livelihoods were being “destroyed” by all the work.

Steve Yemm, Labour MP for Mansfield, says he will represent those businesses to the council if they get in touch with him, but believes any short-term problems are worth the long-term gain.

He said: "Those parts of town really need some remodelling. There's something like a £30 million investment going in there, money from the council and money from the Government, to redevelop all of that.