A scheme to create wider parking bays in Lichfield’s council-run multi-storey car park, cutting the number of spaces available by more than 100, has come under fire.

Work is set to get under way at the car park, off Frog Lane and Birmingham Road, on Monday following complaints from drivers that the spaces are too small. But some have hit out at the timing of the work, which will see the number of spaces at the car park reduced from 436 to 334. A councillor says it would be better to get through Christmas before cutting down on parking.

Lichfield councillor Steve Norman said: “The car parking spaces are small there and do need to be widened but to do it now in the run-up to Christmas may not be a clever idea,” he said.

“This is the time when we need to get as many shoppers into the city as possible to give shops and businesses a boost.”

Council bosses say the work comes after consultation with drivers, many of whom find it difficult to squeeze into the notoriously small spaces. Councillor Louise Flowith, cabinet member for operational services, said: “If the car park does fill up there are plenty of other city centre car parks within easy reach.”

She added that all multi-storey parking permits will be accepted at any of the long stay car parks while work is carried out. Widening work, which is due to be completed within four days, will be done in stages.

The full car park will be reopened in time for the second in the series of late-night Thursday Christmas shopping events, where around 50 shops in Lichfield will stay open for longer.

Visitors can park at any district council-owned car park, including the multi-storey, for free after 4pm on Thursdays from November 26 to December 17.