Local MP, Gordon Prentice, has launched a blistering attack on the owners of the Nelson car park which, over the years, has become a notorious suicide hot spot.
 
Pleas from the police, the Samaritans and the local council that the owners should come up with the cash  for the necessary barrier work fell on deaf ears. The managing agents, 4D Properties, for the owners, Pendle Rise Estates, refused to budge, saying it was not their problem.
 
Now the funding gap is due to be bridged with a new contribution from Pendle Council on top of money from the Health Inequalities Fund and Nelson Area Committee.
 
Since 2001, seven people have jumped to their death from the concrete landmark.
 
The MP commented: "I applaud the local organisations that have taken the initiative to stop these suicides. Many suicides can be prevented where a person is acting on impulse. Even a short delay can cause them to think again."
 
The MP added: "The fact that the owners have washed their hands of the issue is deplorable. I have written to the Minister, John Denham, urging action to force property owners to contribute towards the safety of their properties where these have been designated "suicide hotspots".
 

Note to Editors:
 
For further details on recommended action at suicide hotspots, see  the National Institute for Mental Health’s publication
http://www.nmhdu.org.uk/silo/files/guidance-on-action-to-be-taken-at-suicide-hotspots.pdf