ALMOST three quarters of a million pounds could be poured into a car park to make it more attractive to town centre shoppers.

This week members of the executive at Spelthorne Council approved in principle to fork out £700,000 to fund the major refurbishment of Tothill multi-storey car park.

Their support for the improvement comes after a review of Staines' car parks revealed that users are especially concerned about Tothill.

Those consulted stated that the Thames Street car park is poorly lit, unattractive and, as a result, they were fearful for both their personal safety and the security of their vehicles.

Ed Searanke, portfolio holder for environment and planning, admitted that the car park desperately needs remedial work such as repairs to split, cracked and defective asphalt, damaged directional exit signs and the effects of long term water penetration.

He also agreed that the introduction of CCTV cameras at £100,000 and better lighting levels would make the car park a lot more attractive to shoppers.

He said: "Work could start in the next financial year, but before it commits itself, the council will look at various financial options, including a partnership arrangement with the private sector."

Staines traders are welcoming the improvements with open arms because they say that anything that brings more customers to the town centre is good news for business.

"I think that any improvements to car parks in the town are great because if people don't feel they can park safely they won't come," said Peter Miles, manager of the Elmsleigh Centre, South Street, Staines.