ONE of the main car parks in Tavistock is being redesigned to help prevent anti-social behaviour.

West Devon Borough Council and Devon and Cornwall Police have worked together to come up with a new layout for Bedford Car Park in the town centre.

It follows ongoing complaints from the community about anti-social behaviour and noise at night involving groups of young drivers congregating in the car park.

As part of the new layout, a barrier entrance has been installed, which will be closed from 7pm to 6am.

Vehicles will still be able to leave the car park after 7pm via a one-way exit ramp.  

A number of parking bays close to the car park entrance will remain accessible at all times.

Cllr Robert Oxborough said: 'We have listened carefully to the concerns of local residents and liaised with the police to come up with the best possible option.

'The changes to the car park are aimed at preventing groups of drivers gathering and causing a nuisance. 

'However, the layout still gives residents and visitors parking options in the evening.'

The existing bollards in the car park are being reused in the new layout and the whole system can be removed for major town events.

Sgt Dave Anning from Devon and Cornwall Police said: 'The police and other organisations have tried to persuade drivers to be considerate of the people living around the car park.

'A small minority however remain determined to keep residents awake and a few are doing so deliberately.

'As always the various services in Tavistock have worked together to come up with a solution to ensure residents have a good quality of life in the town.

'I hope the many decent young drivers in the town will stop tolerating the few selfish ones who reflect so badly on them all.'

For more information about the changes and to report concerns about anti-social drivers contact the borough council's community safety officer, Louisa Daley on 01822 813600 or email [email protected]">[email protected]