A Coulsdon car park that was controversially closed last year has reopened - for now.

From today drivers will once again be able to park at the 120-space site in Lion Green Road, which was closed by Croydon Council in July to make way for the construction of a Waitrose store.

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It emerged last month that the orignal proposal for the supermarket had been scrapped, prompting outcry from Coulsdon politicians and businesses demanding the car park be reopened.

Announcing the reopening earlier this month, council leader Tony Newman made it clear that he still expects the site to be developed and "that car park as we know it won't be there for the long term."

Coun Newman, who has previously denied suggestions that the reopening amounted to a "u-turn" by the council, said this week: "Although in the long term we still expect to build on some of this land, probably in partnership with Waitrose, we felt it prudent and sensible to allow it to continue to be used for parking in the meantime.

RELATED: 'This is not a U-turn': Croydon council set to re-open Lion Green Road car park after Waitrose development falls through

"Our team has done the necessary work in record time, and I’m delighted we are able to offer free parking for several weeks whilst we complete the legal formalities necessary to reintroduce charging."

Until March 7 drivers will be able to park for free at the site in Lion Green Road, which also includes spaces for disabled drivers and motorcycles.

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