SIGNS are to be placed at suicide hotspots urging people to seek help rather than take their own lives.

The move is part of a range of measures being set up to try and reduce the number of people committing suicide in Lancashire.

In 2000, 117 people committed suicide in Lancashire, with boroughs in East Lancashire having some of the highest death rates from people killing themselves.

A series of measures have now been agreed by Lancashire County Council, in partnership with local councils and health authorities, to try and reduce the number of people who commit suicide.

Council-owned multi-storey car parks could have high fences fitted, while remote countryside car parks owned by the county council or utility companies could have signs placed up urging people to phone The Samaritans to talk through problems.

The county council, as one of Lancashire's largest employers, will also try to set an example to other large organisations by making information readily available for staff who 'may be experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm,' according to a report to the cabinet.

Social services will also replace shower rails with special collapsible ones in all its properties to reduce risk of suicide there.

County council information centres, libraries and other public buildings will also carry posters and leaflets urging people to seek help, particularly at times of year people find depressing.