Much-needed measures to prevent suicide attempts could be brought in at car parks in Bracknell as one father says they are urgently needed having lost a son last year.

Father Nick Greenaway has been calling for more to be done after he lost his son George to suicide at a Bracknell car park last year.

He told the News: “We approached the council not long after my son died and suggested a few quick fixes like covering the bottom three floors in mesh.

“Another other was increased signage. And if the top two floors aren’t being used they can be shut off.”

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Bracknell Forest Council proposes to spend some £300,000 on suicide prevention measures at its multi-storey car parks.

The £300,000 is included in Bracknell Forest Council’s proposed budget for the coming financial year. Proposals say there has been an increase in incidents and attempts in recent years.

The council said it ‘wouldn’t be appropriate’ for it to release figures on the number of welfare incidents reported across the area's car parks, or to be more specific about the measures it plans to implement.

But a council spokesperson did say the measures could include fencing. And a council budget document says car parks could soon be required by law to increase the height of guarding and provide 24-hour staffing.

The document says: “There is a need to review suicide prevention measures at the council’s multi-storey car parks.

“The designs of the car parks are such that they need to be open and accessible for ventilation and whilst suicide risk has not changed over the years, it would appear the prevalence of incidents and attempts has increased over the recent years.”

It adds: “There is a Parliamentary Bill at early stages which, if successful, calls for all multi-story car parks to increase the minimum required height of guarding and implement 24-hour staffing.”

Bracknell Forest Council’s assistant director for contract services Damian James said suicide prevention would be ‘an area of continued focus’.

He added the council had already closed the top floor of High Street car park, before the entire car park was closed last year, and added new signs with contact details for the Samartians charity.

Mr James said: “If anyone is worried about their own mental wellbeing or that of someone else, we urge you to talk to someone. The Samaritans can be contacted any time, day or night, by calling 116 123, they will listen without judgement. Please do not suffer in silence.”

The £300,000 is included in Bracknell Forest Council’s proposed capital budget, set to be finalised and voted on in February. Residents have until January 24 to comment on the proposals as part of a public consultation.