Parts of a car park used by shoppers in Stafford will be out of action from today when work starts to sort out flooding problems and a drain collapse.

Workers were today due to move on to the car park at the Lynton Tavern in Lynton Avenue, Baswich, which is popular with shoppers at Weeping Cross.

The car park, at the Lynton Tavern, belongs to pub company Punch Taverns, but Stafford Borough Council has paid the company rent for many years to allow shoppers to park there.

Borough council leader Councillor Judith Dalgarno said: “It’s something that people up that end of town really need.”

In recent months the car park has fallen into disrepair with excess water gathering and potholes appearing.

Mrs Dalgarno said the local authority had been working closely with the pub group on a solution.

Kat Auckland, from Punch Taverns, said: “The flooding is due to wear and tear and surface damage.

“Contractors are due on site today to carry out resurfacing work on affected areas and conduct additional repairs as necessary.” Spaces will still be available for regulars to use.

Stafford Chamber of Commerce and Industry is calling for improvements to car parks across Stafford as part of its new business manifesto.

Manager Judy Summers said members had been consulted in drawing up the manifesto and car parking had been a key issue.

“They want to see more car parking across the borough and for existing car parks to be safe and secure,” she said.

“We support the moves to provide more car parking at Stafford Railway Station. A lot of members use the trains to go to London and other places on business and the shortage of parking there has been identified as a problem.”

l The borough council experienced a £200,000 shortfall in income from its car parks in the first quarter of 2008-2009 due to rising petrol prices and the credit crunch.