PRESTON'S concrete car parks could crumble unless major repairs are carried out, a report has warned.

Following structural surveys of the town's multi-stories Town Hall chiefs say 'significant repairs' are needed to make the car parks safe.

The work is estimated to cost Preston council-tax payers more than £500,000.

Inspections of the council-owned car parks at Avenham Street, the market hall and bus station highlighted "a large number of defects" caused by ageing and deterioration.

The surveys were commissioned following the collapse of a multi-storey car park in the West Midlands.

But council chiefs say none of the car parks have suffered the kind of structural failure that affected the West Midlands' car park, or initiated the demolition of St George's car park in the town centre.

On Tuesday the council's transportation committee agreed to further surveys costing an estimated £26,000.

But their decision will have to be passed by members of the finance and property sub-committee next Wednesday (Nov 10) before the payment can be authorised.

Other work recommended in the report includes waterproofing on the concrete decks of the car parks and strengthening, upgrading or replacement of the barrier and pedestrian rails, to bring the car parks up to modern standards.

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