REPEATED incidents of “criminal and anti-social behaviour” have prompted the permanent closure of a council-run car park at night.

St John’s multi-storey in Colchester will shut from 10pm to 5am from Monday October 1 after Colchester Council said night time behaviour included defecation and urination, leaving used syringes in public areas and causing criminal damage to the car park.

The move is in the interests of public safety and to protect council resources, a spokesman said.

Metal shutters will be used to close off access to the car park and its management will work with security staff to implement the closures.