Demolition of a town centre building will soon begin after site owners Aldi installed fencing to prohibit access.

The discount supermarket erected heras fencing across the entrance to St Ethelberga’s Car Park at the former Co-op in Deal on Friday.

The company has confirmed full timber hoarding will follow before its programme of works gets underway.

A spokesperson said: "Hoardings are now in place to allow the safe demolition of the current building and other preparation works, including the felling of some trees.

"New planting and extensive landscaping works will take place before the store opens.

"The West Street car park will be closed for the full duration of the construction programme. This is necessary for safety and also to allow for the full redevelopment of the car park which includes new drainage.

"The rear bays of Park Street car park will remain open for now and an access route for M&S and other retailers will remain for the duration of our works."

The discount supermarket’s plans - which included a £15,000 contribution to towards planting trees elsewhere in Deal - were given the green light by Dover District Council in December. The store is hoped to open by the end of the year.

Its demolition work clashes with Dover District Council's plans to resurface Middle Street car park by Deal Library meaning parking in the town will be limited over the coming weeks.

It is the first time the area has been re-tarmacked in almost 25 years.

A DDC spokesman said: "We do understand the parking issues in Deal at the moment, and have been working closely with the local community to minimise disruption.

"Work on Middle Street car park is due to take three weeks, weather permitting, and we have planned the work in order to keep half the car park open for most of the time, and have ensured the works are taking place out of season.

"We will need to close the whole car park for three days, (programmed for Tuesday, February 26 to Thursday, February 28) to allow the entrance/exit to be resurfaced.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank everyone for bearing with us during these important works."