More patrols for News park plagued by vandals and litter louts
BROKEN GLASS, BINS KNOCKED OVER, AND SYRINGES IN PLAY AREA
A COUNCIL has put extra patrols in place after complaints about repeated anti-social behaviour in a park.
In recent weeks, people who visit Standhill Park in Carlton have been frustrated by vandalism and litter.
A few weeks ago the bins on the park were replaced after they were vandalised and tipped over.
Residents have also shared pictures of litter, with a broken TV recently seen dumped at the park.
Kate Lloyds, 33, a receptionist from Carlton, said: “There is sometimes a lot of litter in the park and people have vandalised the play area before.”
“I am always reporting different things around the park because I come here quite a lot. It is a shame because it is a lovely park.”
One problem area is a shelter where youths congregate.
Ms Lloyds added: “I understand the need for a place for people to stay, especially when it’s raining, but it’s not the best shelter if it has glass and litter around or is vandalised.”
A woman who did not wish to be named said: “Something needs to be done. Syringes have been found in the play area and there’s been stuff left all over the shelter and skate park before.
“It is dreadful when you have to watch out for your kids in a space that is meant to be for them as well.
Dog walker Susan Brennan, 59, from Carlton who works in retail, said: “I don’t think the shelter really gets used much apart from the people that drink in there, but without community centres and things like that, young people need to meet somewhere.
“It’s a great and well used park, some of the litter and such might be just signs of that to be fair.
“The glass that gets broken and is around quite a lot is a big concern especially for someone with a dog.
“Thankfully I’ve never had an accident with that, but some of my friends’ dogs have been hurt.”
However, some residents did not see too much of a problem with the park.
Holly Erdly, 35, from Mapperley, who works in the NHS, said: “I think it’s a nice park apart from the dog mess.
“Occasionally you get the older kids having a drink but at least here for the most part they are out of the way. And that’s what happens in most parks anyway now.”
The council said they had increased patrols in the area in response to the concerns of residents.
Portfolio holder for environment at Gedling Borough Council, Councillor Peter Barnes, said: “We are aware of some recent incidents of anti-social behaviour at the park and our neighbourhood wardens have been carrying out extra patrols in the area.
“While we understand some residents would like the shelter to be removed, this would only be done as a last resort.
“Most people use the park considerately and we don’t think that they should lose out because of the actions of small minority.
“We will monitor the situation closely. ”