MOTORCYCLISTS in Middlesbrough are being given a secure parking area in the town centre so they can shop and know their bike is safe.

The parking area in the Captain Cook Square multi-storey car park was opened by Nicki Basset Powell, chairman of the Motor Cycle Action Group (Mag UK).

The scheme has been funded by Middlesbrough Council's local transport plan programme, which aims to improve parking facilities for alternative modes of transport and has been carried out in consultation with local representatives of Mag UK.

Steve Webster, car parks manager at the council, said: "An area on the ground floor of the car park has been set aside, signed and laid out for motorcycles only and special motorcycle locking units have been installed with room for more than 30 motorcycles.

"The area will be monitored by the car park's closed-circuit television system and is directly opposite the attendants' cabin, so security will be at a maximum."

The facility is free to bikers. The car park is open from 7.30am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday, and from 10am to 6pm on Sundays.