A PRIVATE York car park is to open round the clock, it was confirmed today.

Owners of Tanner Row car park - once one of York's biggest eyesores - said the 24-hour move was in response to demand.

They say the site is now one of the "safest, cleanest and most popular car parks in York" and that extending opening hours will boost York's evening economy.

Owned by the Wetherby-based company Oakgate, it recently won the prestigious Secured Car Park award. It is the only car park within York's city walls to hold the police-backed honour.

The car park will open for 24 hours from Monday - and drivers will be able to park free from 5pm to 10pm on Tuesday to mark the extension of opening hours.

Alison Stewart, Oakgate property director, said: "The car park will be manned 24 hours a day".

She added: "The charges for overnight stays will be the same as during the day, but you can park between 5pm and 1pm for a flat rate of £5." The fee to park all night long, for example from 5pm until 9am the following day, will be £12.

A team of security staff will man the site and CCTV cameras will monitor vehicles.

Mike Whitfield, regional development manager for the Secured Car Parks scheme, said: "The car park security at Tanner Row is of a high standard."

Adam Sinclair, chairman of York Business Pride, said: "I am delighted that Oagkate have won this award.

"Not only have they been great supporters of York Business Pride, but they have also created a city centre car park with a safe environment.

"That is a priceless asset for York".

Updated: 11:24 Friday, November 05, 2004