STOP THE SUICIDES

Owners should pay for safety measures

Pendle Rise Car Park in the heart of Nelson has gained a notorious reputation over the last decade as a suicide hotspot. It is time to take action.

Two people plunged to their deaths earlier this year.

The evidence shows that any form of obstruction at a high-risk site not only gives the individual time to reconsider but increases the chances of intervention.

Yet despite requests from a committee representing Pendle Council, the Local Safety Partnership, the Samaritans, the police and the local coroner’s office, the owners have refused point blank to help pay for the necessary safety barrier to be installed.

Where similar problems have arisen in buildings owned by public authorities, action has been taken to sort them out. I don’t see why private owners shouldn’t be under the same obligation.

I am calling on Ministers to make it compulsory for owners of “hot spot” buildings of this sort to put safety measures in place to deter suicidal people.