A MULTI-STOREY car park could be opened up overnight to boost Braintree’s nightlife , following the closure of the town’s oldest family-run restaurant.

Italian restaurant La Piazza – previously known as Bozo’s – had been trading for at least 20 years but closed in April.

The former owner of the Rayne Road eaterie Sarah Impieri, 44, took over the lease with husband Liberato in 2003, but blamed the lack of town centre evening parking for a fall in business.

She said: “We did really well at first. The only problem was when Morrisons moved in and we couldn’t use their car park any - more.

“It was Somerfields before and there were no problems with parking 24 hours a day.

“A lot of our customers got locked in and were hit with big fines."

Mr and Mrs Impieri now run 47 The Street, in Rayne.

Robert Mitchell, deputy councillor responsible for place, said late night and overnight parking was already available in Manor Street, Victoria Street and Station Approach.

He said: “The council is considering opening the George Yard multi-storey car park overnight on a trial basis and will be engaging with local stakeholders and businesses to explore the benefits this could have for the evening and night-time economy, with the aim of commencing the trial later this year.”