DRIVERS who use the county council car park close to Hereford railway station are being told to park at Merton Meadow after the site closes on May 31.

Council officers have placed notices advising users that the Station Approach car park, which was formerly the home of the Rockfield DIY store, will soon close permanently.

The closure will allow workers to begin construction of the approved 178-bed student accommodation block on the site.

A Herefordshire Council spokesperson said: “Station Approach is a collaborative project between the council and its development partner ENGIE to provide state-of-the-art accommodation for students of Hereford College of Arts and NMiTE.

“The project is a key component of the council’s economic vision as it improves the education offer, and the works will be delivered using the council’s development and regeneration programme which will help to support the growth of our local economy and further improve Herefordshire as a great place to live, work, study and visit.

“In terms of parking provision to serve the city centre, there is existing capacity in the council’s car parks, and new signage along Station Approach will help visiting motorists by directing them to Merton Meadow.

“We would like to thank residents, businesses and visitors for their understanding while works take place on this exciting development.”