More funding has been allocated to step up security at the council’s underground car park at Manvers Street in the centre of Bath.
The underground section of Manvers Street car park in Bath
The project includes secure fencing, and shutters and controlled gates at the pedestrian and vehicular access points.
Bath & North East Somerset Council says there have been “unauthorised encampments” and anti-social behaviour in the lower level of the car park, which is opposite the police station.
There has been substance misuse, harassment of car park customers, “human defecation” and the burning of cardboard, mattresses and tents.
This is said to pose a “significant” risk to public safety.
Some of the space used for “unauthorised encampments” at Manvers Street car park
£50,000 was initially allocated for the work but a more recent request for an extra £15,000 has been approved.
A report said the improvement work at the car park will encourage vulnerable adults to engage with “appropriate support” provided by both the council and local organisations, such as Julian House.
