A crime-hit town centre car park has closed for essential repairs - and council bosses say it is "impossible to say" when it will reopen.

A sign has appeared at the entrance to Park Mall car park in Ashford stating the facility is shut until further notice.

A spokesman for Ashford Borough Council (ABC) said the car park was closed off last night.

"Due to essential maintenance work, we have had to temporarily close Park Mall car park from 8.30pm on Thursday,” they said.

"We apologise for the inconvenience caused.

"Please be advised that there are a number of alternative council car parks available for use nearby, such as Edinburgh Road and Vicarage Lane.”

The spokesman added that it is "impossible to say at this time" when the site will reopen.

The top floor of the facility was cordoned off earlier this year in a bid to stamp out anti-social behaviour at the site.

The site only reopened in July last year after being closed for 10 months but automatic number-plate recognition technology is yet to be installed.