SHOPPING centre bosses have beefed up safety measures on the top floor of The Mall car park in Blackburn.

A large metal fence, which is several feet high, has been placed around the perimeter of the car park overlooking Church Street, Primark and the bus station.

This comes after Zaheda Chopdat, from Blackburn, took her own life after falling from this section of the roof in June last year.

The 26-year-old was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital but was later pronounced dead from multiple injuries.

Two months later a 29-year-old man from Blackburn was seen sitting on the ledge while drinking from a can.

The man was talked down by a negotiator after two hours.

Andrew Smith, operations manager at The Mall, said: "We are in the final stages of erecting permanent safety fencing round the perimeter of the car park as part of ongoing improvements works, which also includes recent resurfacing projects and new energy efficient lighting.”

Cllr Phil Riley, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s regeneration boss, said: “It was a terribly tragic event last year. But in truth it highlighted that for someone who was determined it was quite an easy option.

“It is good to see some precautionary measures being implemented."

At Miss Chopdat’s inquest it was revealed when police were called to the incident they found her car on the top level of the car park, with the keys in the ignition and her bank card inside the vehicle, along with her mobile phone.

Her phone was read by officers and was found to contain unsent messages offering apologies and love.