A new entrance barrier is to be fitted at Commercial Road car park in Shepton Mallet in a bid to tackle late-night anti-social behaviour.
The new security measures are being introduced in response to complaints from local residents about groups of cars gathering at the car park late at night, playing music and creating noise.
The new barrier will be locked each night at 10pm and opened again the following morning. Cars already parked when the barrier is locked will still be able to exit the car park after 10pm by driving over a set of ‘alligator teeth’ – a raised, spiked surface which allows vehicles to travel one way but not the other.
The barrier is set to be installed during the week commencing Monday 9th September. While the new barrier is being installed, there will be some disruption to the car park, and it is expected that some parking spaces will be temporarily unavailable.
The car park will remain open overnight when large community events are taking place, such as the Shepton Mallet Carnival.
Cllr Nigel Taylor, portfolio holder for regulatory services, said: “By installing these new security measures at Commercial Road car park we hope that we can deal with the on-going issues of anti-social behaviour that have caused misery for some local residents.
“While we will be shutting the entrance barrier at 10pm each night, cars already parked will still be able to exit the car park, so there will be no inconvenience for people visiting Shepton’s pubs and restaurants.”
Cllr John Parham, portfolio holder for governance, assets and public spaces and a local Shepton Mallet councillor, said:
“Anti-social behaviour in this car park is an issue that a number of residents have raised with me and I’m pleased the council is taking action to deal with it.
“By introducing these new security measures we will reduce the late-night noise and disturbance that local people have had to endure.”