'Guards' for council staff in car park fears

Neighbourhood wardens have been brought in to escort the women workers who use a new car park in Fitzwilliam Road.

Many of the workers used the big St Ann’s car park in the town centre - but the site was closed earlier this year for redevelopment, which has left workers trying to find somewhere else to park.

Some have been forced to use the Fitzwilliam Road car park - but getting to and from it involves a 200 yard walk from the civic offices through subways which have been the scene of previous robberies and assaults.

Today the council has laun-ched the escort service for a trial period after some women staff said they were worried about having to walk through the potentially dangerous subways.

It is understood all staff who work in the council’s Walker Place civic office complex have been emailed telling them about the escort service.

A council spokesman said: “There is concern among some staff because of previous incidents in this area.

“It has been decided to try out a scheme which means workers are being escorted to and from the car park by our neighbourhood wardens.

“All staff have been informed about this and some are taking advantage of it. It means they feel safer and some are not happy about having to walk through subways.”

Many council staff have been forced to find parking spots away from Walker Place, not only because of the closure of the St Ann’s car park, but the closure of other town centre car parks. There are also plans now to do away with some of the few remaining free parking areas within walking distance of the town centre.