Long Strops car park in Kesgrave to close in October due to “public liability issues”

The Long Strops car park in Kesgrave is closing permanently in October, 2016. (Image: Archant)

Overseen by the Kesgrave Covenant, the land on Bell Lane has never officially been certified as a public car park, however dog walkers and those visiting Long Strops and Foxhall Heath have been allowed to park their vehicles there.

However, with its surface now falling into disrepair the owners have taken the decision to remove access to vehicles to prevent anyone from being injured or vehicles being damaged.

Ellen Jolly, on behalf of the land owners, said: “Kesgrave Covenant has maintained that piece of land that people have been using to park their vehicles on whilst visiting Long Strops and Foxhall Heath.

“Quite a few people think it’s a public carpark, which it’s not.

“After taking advice, the Kesgrave Covenant has decided not to continue this access due to public liability issues.

“The bridleway is not at all affected.”

The car park was due to be closed temporarily in October to allow access to Anglian Water, which is due to carry out work in the area.

A statement released by Kesgrave Town Council said: “For many years the Kesgrave Covenant has kindly maintained a piece of land that people have been using to park their vehicles on whilst visiting Long Strops and Foxhall Heath.

“A number of people have commented recently on the state of the surface of this area, thinking that it is a public car park.

“The land along Long Strops is administered by The Kesgrave Covenant who have kindly allowed it to be used by the public but it has never been adopted as a formal car park.

“Anglian Water will be carrying out some work along Long Strops in early October and will use the area to park their vehicles, but after this work has been completed the area will no longer be accessible to vehicles.”