Cracks have been discovered in the concrete of Amersham’s new multi-storey car park a month before it is due to open – with officials placing the blame on the summer heatwave.

An independent investigation has been carried out to ensure the car park extension in King George V Road is structurally safe, however council chiefs are confident it will still officially open in November.

Speaking at a meeting of Chiltern District Council’s cabinet yesterday (October 16), portfolio holder for environment, Mike Smith, told members the concrete was poured on the hottest day of the year – which caused problems as it cooled.

He said: “The car park had a very successful topping out ceremony about a month ago now, so the car park is in its final stage. We are still on track to complete as expected in November.

“There is a small issue with some cracks in the concrete, which was basically caused by having been poured on the hottest day of the year.

“They are only cosmetic cracks, I will reassure they are not structural, and we are going to have an independent report to make sure of that.”

The 608-space car park has been extended by another 502 spaces, and is expected to open next month in time for the busy festive period.