Controversy as benches removed

Police have sparked controversy after removing a number of benches and bushes to try and curb anti-social behaviour.

The move in Stanhope has received ridicule online but has been supported by a number of people living in the area.

In a tweet which was later deleted, the Kent Police Ashford account said the force’s ‘problem solving taskforce’ had been working with local companies to ‘design out crime’.

The statement also said that officers hoped to address anti-social behaviour by removing the benches and bushes – which it said encouraged illegal activities.

“These areas have been contributing to high levels of anti-social behaviour by providing hiding spots and places to gather,” it finished.

Among the areas known to be affected are the football/basketball cage outside Stanhope Library – where bushes have been removed – and a green space next to Frinsted Gardens, which has lost two benches.

The announcement drew mockery from a number of people on social media, with many quick to screenshot the post before it was deleted.

When the account posted a replacement tweet containing photos of the Memorial Gardens, it received more than 50 replies deriding the Stanhope move.

One user said: “It looks like you guys missed some benches in your last sweep of the park. Better get on that.”

“I think I see some anti-social behaviour hiding in the treetops. Get that chainsaw out lads,” added another.

Some also took the time to point out that the benches were used for more than a gathering spot for groups of young people.

“Benches are essential for elderly, people recovering from serious illness to be able to enjoy local parks,” said one.

“I speak as a former resident of Ashford.

“I don’t see a lovely park but an overly manicured one which leaves no place for wildflowers, bees and butterflies to flourish.”

In Stanhope, however, the reception to the move has been more mixed, with many welcoming the removal of the benches in particular.

One Bredgar Close resident said the benches had been a hotspot for cannabis smoking.

“Frankly, we are delighted to see them go, they were very much a hotbed for that kind of activity,” they said.

“When they get out there as a group, sometimes the stench of cannabis can be so strong that we have to close the windows and doors and stay inside.

“We will have to wait and see what effect it has but it’s a proactive step, and I’m all for it.”

However, some queried the effectiveness of the move as well as the necessity.

Mum Lisa Dowdall said the benches were not solely used for anti-social activities and that removing the benches would do nothing to address any issues.

“Sometimes I will open my window and hear laughing and chatting, and it’s a lovely sound,” she said.

“There are issues, of course – sometimes there is rubbish left there, but it’s not hard to clear up.

“In terms of the cannabis, how is removing the benches going to do anything? They will just go elsewhere.”

In response to the fallout, Chief Inspector Nick Sparkes said: “Kent Police undertakes a range of different initiatives to tackle anti-social behaviour.

“Officers from the community safety unit and central partnerships teams have been taking a proactive approach within Stanhope to target offenders and prevent anti-social behaviour in hot spot areas.

“This has resulted in the removal of five benches and bushes as part of a three-month trial to monitor the effect on reports of anti-social behaviour.

“This trial has been developed in partnership with the estate owner and residents following a range of reports including catapults being fired at people and property, verbal abuse, arson, and criminal damage.

“Officers will continue to proactively patrol this area and work closely with partners and residents to prevent crime and target those responsible.”

Kent Police Ashford’s tweet about the move was quickly deleted last Thursday