DAMAGE to a Taunton car park has cost the local authority around £8,000 – and that’s not including the repairs.

Somerset West and Taunton Council operates the Canon Street car park in the centre of town, not far from the high street and Somerset County Cricket Club.

The car park could be used for free between Friday (April 26) and Tuesday (April 30) after a vehicle collided with the ticket machine at the exit, putting it out of use.

The council has confirmed that the incident has cost it “in the region of £8,000″ in lost car parking revenue – though it has not confirmed how much the repairs cost on top of that.

The council tweeted on Friday afternoon: ” Due to damage to the barrier, you will be able to park at the Canon Street car park without charge until repairs have been made.”

The council subsequently confirmed that an unspecified vehicle had hit the ticket machine as it attempted to leave the car park.

A spokeswoman said: “Reports were received of a vehicle colliding with the ticket machine at the exit, causing it to come loose from its footing.

“The machine was removed and the area made safe. The machine supplier was contacted that afternoon and repair work was being carried out on Tuesday.

“We’d like to thank our partners for their swift response and support.”

The council was unable to confirm how much the repairs would be, since this was the first time one of its new ‘pay on foot’ machines had been damaged.

The spokeswoman added: “Canon Street car park is one of our busiest due to its proximity to the town centre.

“We recognised the importance to the local economy of keeping it open despite the loss of revenue, which we estimate will be in the region of £8,000.”