A city centre car park in Preston is being awarded a prestigious Park Mark after a £550,000 improvement programme.

Avenham Car Park, run by Preston City Council, is being presented the award by the British Parking Association in recognition of the work that has been done to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

Coun Eric Fazackerley, deputy leader of the council who will be presented with the award on Wednesday, said: "This award recognises that Avenham Car Park is a safe and customer-friendly place, which should reassure customers and encourage people to park here when they visit the city centre.

"Measures like the CCTV cameras, extra lighting and a more secure barrier payment system all help to tackle anti-social behaviour and make the car park look and feel much safer.

"We're grateful to AvenCentral Partnership, which has provided much-needed funding for this project."

Funded by the council and AvenCentral partnership, the £550,000 programme has seen installation of CCTV cameras, an electronic barrier payment system, extra lighting and a number of measures to prevent people entering the building when it is closed.

Michelle Arthur, AvenCentral Partnership manager, said: "The Partnership is pleased to have been involved in the refurbishment of the Avenham Car Park, which was funded under one of our targets to reduce crime and enhance the environment in the area.

"This excellent scheme demonstrates that providing extra security measures in public places can raise confidence and reduce the fear of crime".