THE new design of Tavistock's largest car park this week came in for praise from a nearby resident.

The resident, who lives close to the town's Bedford car park, has written an open letter thanking the borough council and the police after the facility was redesigned to help prevent anti-social behaviour.

The open letter explains how the resident's family life was 'blighted' by groups of young drivers who gathered in the car park late at night doing wheel spins, using bad language, littering and causing a nuisance.

The resident, who does not want to be named due to concerns about their personal safety, explains in the open letter how the work to the car park has 'literally transformed the standard of living for my family'.

West Devon Borough Council worked with Devon and Cornwall Police to come up with the new layout for the car park which was introduced in October last year.

The changes include the installation of a line of bollards, a barrier entrance which is closed from 7pm to 6am and a one-way exit ramp.

The residents says in the letter: 'The barriers are now in and for the first time I look forward to the peaceful enjoyment of my house in the evenings, relaxed in the knowledge that my children will be able to get to sleep uninterrupted and knowing that I wouldn't have to decide whether to tolerate or plead my case for peace with the ignorant and abusive.

'I wish to convey my thanks to the council and police for working together and designing out this problem. 

'It has transformed the place where we now love to live.'

The borough council has also made sure local residents and evening visitors to the town have somewhere to park with a number of parking bays close to the entrance remaining accessible at all times.

No disabled parking bays have been lost as part of the changes.

Arrangements are also in place to leave the barrier open for longer when big events are taking place at The Wharf.

The bollards can be removed entirely during major events such as Goose Fair.

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]