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
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