A Darlington college has submitted plans with the council to build two turnstiles at its gates as a safety precaution.

Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, on Vane Terrace, is looking to replace its current car park and pedestrian access gates with automated gates and secure turnstiles, according to a planning application lodged with Darlington Borough Council.

The move comes in response to recent legislative changes, specifically "Martyn's Law", which aims to enhance security at public venues in light of events leading up to the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017.

The new gates and turnstiles, which are part of a broader initiative to assess and improve security measures on campus.

Proposed work for the turnstiles will be carried out at the college's existing car park entrance, which is approximately 90 square metres in size.

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New gates and turnstiles match the existing ones in terms of design and finish, with a black PPC finish.

Although the turnstile elements are slightly larger, they are necessary for improved security, the college said.

Access to the site will remain level, with additional accommodations for less able users via the main entrance ramp, which is already in place.

The proposal also states that the replacement gates and secure turnstiles will enhance both pedestrian and vehicular access security.

The work is confined to the car park entrance, and the site is not currently vacant, nor does it involve any changes to the existing vehicle or cycle parking arrangements.

'Martyn's Law' requires public venues to improve preparedness against attacks and bring in measures to help keep people safe and was brought in by Rishi Sunak's government.