Central Car Park in Ventnor has become the latest Isle of Wight Council facility to be awarded the prestigious Park Mark Award.

Ventnor joins Coppins Bridge car park in Newport and St Thomas Street (Upper) car park in Ryde in becoming Park Mark accredited.

The award, which is managed by the British Parking Association and supported by the Home Office, recognises the council’s commitment to reducing the fear of crime and criminal activity in the car park.

The council’s parking services and community safety services worked with local police, under the umbrella of the IOW Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, to make improvements to the car park in order to create a safer environment for users.

The facility was assessed by the police who checked to see that the area is properly managed, maintained and has appropriate levels of lighting, signage and cleanliness – all of which contribute to reducing the opportunity for crime.

Cllr Barry Abraham, Isle of Wight Council cabinet member responsible for community safety said

“The council is committed to reducing the fear of crime and crime levels on the Island and this initiative is just one example of how we are making a difference.

“Our parking services and community safety teams have worked together to make worthwhile changes to Ventnor’s central car park which has resulted in a safer environment for those using the facility”

Hampshire Constabulary’s Isle of Wight Chief Inspector Mark Bell said

“We are keen to work alongside partner agencies to further reduce the risks of becoming a victim of crime.

“Park Mark is another good example of how closer co-operation between the police and Council produces projects that can make people feel safer and more confident in their communities.

“The amount of recorded crime in the whole Ventnor area is down by 10% since April this year. The Park Mark scheme will reinforce our efforts to maintain this trend”