Lab tests for car park after fire

A council says it is awaiting the results of laboratory tests before it can fully reopen a multi-storey car park following a fire.

George Street car park, in Hull, was closed following a single-vehicle fire on 1 April.

Levels one and two reopened in mid-April, but the upper three floors remain closed.

A spokesperson for Hull City Council said: "Having carried out test cleaning following the fire, we are awaiting lab test results on the wastewater generated to determine the levels of contamination."

"These results will allow us to decide how we best clean the area, so we can safely reopen the upper levels."

The spokesperson added: "Despite not seeing any immediate pressure on parking capacity for the city centre, we thank drivers for their patience during this unavoidable closure."

Humberside Fire and Rescue said the fire, involving a vehicle on the third floor, had started to spread to the roof when crews were called at about 21:40 BST. The cause was believed to have been accidental.

The authority previously said it planned to introduce dedicated security patrols at all council-owned multi-storey car parks in the city, including closer monitoring of facilities to deter anti-social behaviour and provide reassurance to customers.

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