A CAR park has won a prestigious safety award after a drive by council bosses in Leigh to improve facilities.

Doctor's Nook car park has become the first in the borough to qualify for the accolade which is only given for the highest standard of lighting, internal layout and customer safety.

The award was achieved by installing new lighting and CCTV cameras, perimeter fencing, safety bollards to protect pedestrians and better marking of the parking bays.

Wigan Council director of land and property, Harry Holden said: "If we expect people to pay for parking then we have a duty to provide places that are as safe, secure and well-managed as possible."