TWO car parks could provide a blueprint for safety in East Lancashire after scooping prestigious national design awards.

The car parks in Dale Street and Hindle Street, Haslingden, were awarded Secured by Design status after CCTV cameras, lighting and other safety features were installed at a cost of more than £185,000.

Crime prevention officer PC Dave Sykes said: "The secured car parking scheme is a national initiative that is rapidly gaining momentum.

"To see the Rossendale Valley at the very forefront of this scheme is terrific. Both the car parks involved are now under 24-hour CCTV surveillance with improved lighting, signage and help points not only making them very secure but also user-friendly.

"We are confident that this, along with other work done to achieve the award, will go a long way towards helping both the police and council maintain the very low car crime levels in the valley and ensure that people coming to the borough have a safe and enjoyable visit."

The improvements were funded jointly by Rossendale Borough Council and Action for Haslingden.

Work is now underway to improve security at other sites in Rossendale.

Commander of Pennine Police Chief Superintendent John Knowles said: "We are extremely pleased with all the effort that has gone into making these two car parks as safe and secure as possible.

"It is very encouraging to know that local organisations are taking on board our crime prevention advice and playing their part in helping to drive down crime in Pennine division."