Portland Town Council has stepped in to take control of a “well-used” car park following fears that it was to close permanently.

Notices put up in Church Ope car park, on Pennsylvania Road in Wakeham, stated that the car park would close on February 1 and “be reverted to private land.”

The leaflets were put up by landowner Betterment Properties last week.

A spokesman for the Weymouth-based property developer said it was originally earmarked for closure after a 25-year lease with Weymouth and Portland Borough Council (WPBC) expired on December 31 last year.

WPBC did not indicate any plan to renew the lease.

Following discussions, Betterment has agreed for the car park to be taken over by Portland Town Council from February 1, meaning no closure will need to take place.

The closure notice had initially sparked outrage and concern from residents who say the car park is often used by locals, dog walkers and visitors as it provides access to the picturesque coast path, the church and Portland Museum.

Residents had gathered in the car park on Saturday to express their fear over the then imminent closure of the resource.

Before the town council stepped in to take control, Simon Avery, from Southwell, said he was concerned about the potential effect on visitor numbers to the museum across the road if people were unable to park close by.

Alexis Van El, from Weston, was concerned about the trees and wildlife at the site which she feared may be lost.

Portland town councillor Paul Kimber had described the closure as a "bitter disappointment".

After hearing the news about the town council's move to take control, he responded: "I am absolutely delighted that the Portland Town Council have found a way forward on this and responded so quickly to the situation.

"I thank the Portland Town Council for their very fast work in contacting the owners of the car park and getting the whole item resolved. We have got a very good chairman."