A multi-storey car park shut off since July is to finally reopen next week - but only one of its notoriously unreliable lifts will be working.

Ashford's 289-space Edinburgh Road facility was cordoned off after concrete fell from the ceiling during summer's heatwave.

Town centre traders reported a big drop in footfall following the closure, with shoppers struggling to find a place to park.

But Ashford Borough Council has now confirmed the site will reopen on Monday following the completion of "necessary repair work".

Only one of its three lifts - which once broke down more than 50 times in two years - will be working on Monday, but ABC expects all of them to be fully operational by Friday, December 9.

The car park will be open 24 hours a day, with free parking offered from 3pm Monday to Saturday.

Authority bosses say drivers with valid town centre season tickets who have been allowed to use the neighbouring Park Mall car park will now need to go back to using Edinburgh Road.

It is unclear why the top floor of Park Mall car park remains closed.

In the run up to Christmas, ABC will offer free parking in all of its car parks in Ashford and Tenterden.

Drivers will be able to park for free after 3pm on Friday, December 9, 16 and 23, and all day over the December 17-18 weekend.

ABC's deputy leader Cllr Paul Bartlett (Con) said: “The cost of living has meant it has been another tough year for many so I’m pleased that once again we are able to offer free parking in Ashford and Tenterden on the run up to Christmas as each saving helps.

“Ashford and Tenterden have a lot to offer shoppers and we encourage residents to support their home town by doing their Christmas shopping locally to help boost trade for our hardworking, homegrown businesses.”