A PARKING scheme aiming at cutting crime has won police approval.

The Gate, a £75m development in Newgate Street, Newcastle, has been recognised for the design of its multi-storey car park.

Built to police-approved specification, the car park serves the leisure centre, which includes the new Odeon 12-screen cinema.

It contains more than 150 CCTV cameras and is regularly patrolled by security staff and police.

Northumbria Police have recognised the efforts of the centre to make its car park a crime-free zone, by nominating the building for a national Secure By Design award.

Assistant Chief Constable Paul Leighton, who presented a certificate to centre managers, said: "Leisure is a major part of the attraction of Newcastle.

"The Gate is an exciting addition and I am very pleased that this car park is built to such a high standard, which is very much in line with our desire for people who work, live or visit the city to do so feeling safe."

Chief Inspector Dave Jackson at Newcastle Central Area Command, said: "This award illustrates the success of the scheme and contributes to the overall safety of the city. It also plays an important part in our crime reduction strategy.

"The car park is well lit and traffic flows are monitored closely, as well as the people within it, making it one of the safest places to park."

Adam Johnson, centre manager, said: "Safety for everyone is top of our agenda."