The demolition of a North East town's former library building has begun to make way for a new car park.

Demolition work on the former library building located at Hall Grounds in Loftus began on Monday (September 11).

The library was relocated to the newly refurbished and extended Duncan Place facility in August and is now open to the public.

The new premises provides a modern and multi-use space, offering youth and family activities in a brand-new community hall.

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The site of the former library is planned to be used as a car park following clearance of the area.

Councillor Lynn Pallister, cabinet member for economic growth at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said: “As a council, we are working hard to restore pride in our communities, focusing regeneration in the areas which need it the most.

“We’d like to thank everyone in Loftus for their patience while works have been carried out so far.

"We know this has caused significant disruption to your lives.

"But when these works are finished, you will see a transformed Loftus, with more facilities and attractions for residents and more visitors spending time and money in our local businesses.”

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A Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council spokesperson said 66 per cent of respondents acknowledged a lack of car park was one of the biggest issues affecting Loftus during a consultation.

The new car park is planned to be built in early 2024 and provide up to 30 new spaces for the High Street.

It is planned to compliment the other existing car parks located at North Road, and the recently opened Handale Car Park.

The demolition will be carried out by contractors MGL Group. Nearby residents will soon receive an information letter notifying them of the plans.

Adjacent roads will not require traffic management but there may be times a footpath closure is in place on Hall Grounds.

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The aim is to complete the demolition by the end of November 2023.

Loftus was awarded £5.8million as part of the Government’s Future High Streets Fund initiative in August 2021 after Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council submitted a bid to transform the area.

The council is also providing match funding for this from the Welcome to Redcar and Cleveland and Indigenous Growth Funds, meaning £11.8million will be invested in Loftus.