MOTORISTS will be unable to use the car park at Stratton Wood for nine months from September 1 as Southern Electric moves in to install a new cable.

The Woodland Trust has been left with no option but to close the car park to public traffic while Southern Electric Power Distribution uses heavy machinery to carry out the procedure.

The wood will remain open to the public, though no cars will be permitted on site and walkers may face some disruption as various sections are closed off as work progresses.

The new cable will help to strengthen supplies to around 21,000 customers including Great Western Hospital, businesses and residential properties. The car park will remain closed until the end of May 2015.

Sarah Stebbing, site manager for the Woodland Trust, said: “We realise Stratton Wood is a popular site for many local people.

“We regret the closure of the car park, but it is necessary to ensure the safety of the public and contractors during the period of construction works.

“We must ask that those visiting the wood either walk or use public transport where possible as there is no alternative parking available.

“The trust understands the importance of the work and will continue to cooperate with SEPD throughout the project.”