Car park repairs cause damage to car

Corrosive liquid leaked into Carlisle Parade's underground car park after workmen started repairing the roof.

Unsuspecting motorists were greeted with blotchy vehicles after watery cement poured through the ceiling, stripping the paintwork from cars.

Paul Rumble, who owns the Lansdowne Hotel, had parked his BMW in the car park over the weekend.

Mr Rumble, pictured right with the damaged car, said: "I've taken it to the specialist who have confirmed the paintwork has been eaten away. We're looking at thousands of pounds in damage. It's a beautiful, dark green car, covered with white bits.

"There were a couple of other people there who were going to put in claims. Who knows how many other people are driving round town, just thinking they can wash the stuff off?"

Ian Butters, resident engineer on the project, said: "The car park structure had been leaking for a long time. When the contractors took off the surface of the promenade, trapped water rushed through the cracks. The state of the roof was far worse than we realised. I know of one person who has come to us with a claim, which is being dealt with the contractors' insurers."

The car park is still open for business, but around 50 spaces have been sectioned off, below where work is being carried out, to prevent a similar incident.

The work is the first phase of major refurbishments to the A259 Carlisle Parade.

Contractors Ringway are waterproofing and strengthening the structure which carries the A259 over the underground car park, aiming to prevent further deterioration along Hastings seafront.

The work should be completed by March.