Parent Power To Keep Peace In The Park

Residents have met the Police and Rushmoor Council to press for action to stop anti-social behaviour in and around King George V Playing Fields, in Farnborough. Residents called for parents to check where their children were and to keep an eye on them.

Last summer, youngsters began to congregate at King George V and the amount of anti-social behaviour and damage began to grow. Over the winter things quietened down but residents are concerned that warmer weather and light evenings will see the problems return.

Residents welcomed the positive approach of the Police's local beat team which has been working with the youngsters and taking action wherever possible. Some youngsters have been taken home by the Police, who have written to several parents about their children's behaviour. One youngster is now doing community service as a result.

At the meeting, the Police promised to continue their work, while the Council agreed to try and introduce new CCTV cameras in the park. The Police and the Council will also step up their support for the Clock Tower Youth Club in North Camp in association with the Army.

Residents will band together and try to form a neighbourhood watch. The Police also urged them to make sure that all anti-social behaviour and criminal damage is reported.

Everyone recognised the role of parents in ensuring they know where their youngsters are and making sure they behave responsibly. Most of the youngsters causing problems live locally, so parents have a key role to play.

John Edwards, Rushmoor's Environment Director, said:

"We are proud of King George V – it's a great park and we want all local people to enjoy it. There have been problems around the park and it was important for the residents, the Police and the Council to get together to see what can be done.

Better CCTV would help a lot but we also need to try and find other things for our youngsters to do. That is why the Clock Tower Club has an important role to play.

Parents do also need to ask themselves whether it is their youngsters who are causing problems. In cases like this, community action is key to achieving a solution."

Contact: John Edwards, Director of Environmental Services on (01252) 398100

Source: Rushmoor Borough Council