THE top level of a ‘suicide hot spot’ car park in Nelson has been blocked off after a man has had to be talked down by police three times in the last two months.

Bosses at the Pendle Rise multi-storey car park in Broadway made the decision to block off access to the top level after concerns were raised by the police.

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Three years ago fencing was put around the perimeter on all levels of the carpark after a campaign by community leaders and residents. That followed the death of Ian Nutter, 65, from Barnoldswick, who fell to his death from the roof in January 2012.

One person was also left paralysed and a further 18 people were ‘talked down’ by police negotiators in the 10 years proceeding Mr Nutter’s death.

This latest decision has been welcomed by community leaders and the police who described it as "life-saving action".

Sgt Shaun Pearson said: “Some time ago the fencing around the edges of the multi storey car park in Nelson was erected to deter people from jumping off. However, there was an area on the top level where a persistent person could still climb onto if contemplating suicide.

“Over the past two months there has been three occasions where a suicidal man has been talked down from this point.

“We raised our concerns with the management for Pendle Rise Shopping Centre who own the multi-storey who have acted very swiftly. Having considered all options they have blocked off access to the top level and locked the doors.

“I appreciate a person determined to cause themselves harm will always find a way. However, an obvious location for a person in distress acting on an impulse has been made much harder to reach.”

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson said: “I am pleased to hear that the new owners are taking this action and anything that makes the site safer is a positive thing.

“This is an issue I have raised before in the House of Commons. Working with Pendle Borough councillors we successfully campaigned to get the barriers installed.”

Mr Stephenson also praised the work of Samaritans, who have posters up at the site, and said he believed the work of the charity and volunteers had stopped people from attempting to take their life at the site.

Cllr Wayne Blackburn, who is Pendle Borough Council’s mental health champion, said: “I am pleased to hear that action has been taken and they have blocked it off. There has been problems at the site for several years and I am glad they are being taken seriously.”

A spokesman for Pendle Rise Shopping Centre, which owns the car park, was unavailable to comment.