TOWN centre car parking is getting safer claims Wigan Council.

Six of the borough's biggest car parks have been awarded the prestigious 'Park Mark' award for introducing measures that help to deter criminal activity and anti-social behaviour.

In Leigh, the scheme extends to 483 parking spaces at the Spinning Gate, Church Street, Lord Street and Doctor's Nook.

Wigan Council's Corporate Property Manager, Peter Marsh said: "We want people to enjoy their visits to our town centres - and for motorists part of that experience that means being confident that where they park their car is safe and secure.

"Where motorists see the Park Mark sign they can be reassured that safety measures to prevent car crime are in place and that the area has been surveyed by police."

Park Mark is an Association of Chief Police Officers initiative supported locally by Greater Manchester Police. Specialist officers from the force advise car park managers and assess facilities to make sure they reach Park Mark standard.

Chief Inspector Andy Baddeley said: "Vehicle crime accounts for up to a fifth of all crime in the borough, so we are delighted Wigan Council is joining the Park Mark family.

"We are committed to tackling vehicle crime and the borough's five area policing teams are implementing numerous operations to tackle the problem head on.

"Drivers can also do a number of things to reduce their chances of becoming a victim of vehicle crime and parking in a car park with a Park Mark sign is one of them."