A TOWN centre car park is the first in the district to scoop a top police safety award.

Churchfields car park, behind ASDA, has been honoured with the new Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) Safer Parking Scheme award.

The new Bromsgrove District Council-run multi-storey was constructed after consultation and input from partners including police.

It has a range of safety features including CCTV cameras, signage and railings to prevent passers-by walking across the ground floor.

Bromsgrove police's crime risk manager PC Stan Baker said: "I am delighted Churchfields car park has achieved this award and has shown it is committed to reducing crime.

"Car parks can be crime hot spots and many people, especially women, find them threatening. This award will be very reassuring for them."

Bromsgrove District Council cabinet member responsible for community safety Cllr Peter Whittaker (Con-Tardebigge) said the car park was part of a town centre redevelopment scheme with ASDA and cost around £2.5m.

He added: "It is the council's first multi-storey car park and safety was a paramount consideration in its design. "It is good to know that Bromsgrove is leading the way as the first council in north Worcestershire to receive this prestigious award, which is held in high esteem by the car parking industry."

The ACPO Safer Parking Scheme award replaces the Secured Car Parks award scheme.

It is designed to acknowledge car parks which have introduced effective measures to create a safe and secure environment, reduce public fears and restrict opportunities for crimes to be committed.

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