Archaeologists dig in a car park

Archaeological excavations have begun at the Priory Park site

Archaeological investigations are under way at a car park as part of the £4.2m restoration of an 18th Century park.

Bell Street car park in Reigate, Surrey, will be closed until September while archaeological work is carried out and improvements are made.

Reigate Council said the investigations are required under lottery funding conditions for the Priory Park project.

Lottery cash is being used to pay two thirds of the park restoration cost, including the car park improvements.

A spokesman said the locations of the trenches for the archaeological investigations, and an existing electricity supply, run right through the car park.

Improvements to the car park include a better layout, disabled access, landscaping and safer pedestrian access, Councillor Tom Stoddart said.