Councillor dismayed at play area fence decision

Councillor dismayed at play area fence decision

17 April 2013

A NEWCASTLE politician’s bid to have the height of a perimeter fence around a play area in the town more than doubled to combat anti-social behaviour has failed for a second time.

Councillor Patrick Clarke had wanted Down Council to increase the size of the fence at the Downs Road from three feet to almost eight feet. He first raised the issue last year when his proposal was rejected and it was vetoed for a second time last week by the local authority’s council’s Building and Estates Committee.

Council officials say the cost of increasing the size of the fence would be in the region of £10,000 and could set a precedent, with people in other parts of the district looking to have taller security fencing at other playgrounds.

The matter has now been referred to the district’s Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) and is due to be discussed at its next meeting.

Councillor Clarke said residents who live close to the Downs Road play area are being “plagued” by the antics of young people congregating late at night and during the early morning.

He said he has been approached by many residents after a series of early-morning incidents, explaining the play area has become a “magnet for young people drinking alcohol and engaging in anti-social behaviour.”

Councillor Clarke said since he was elected to Down Council in May two years ago, concerns about what’s been happening at the Downs Road play have been raised with him by a number of residents on a regular basis.

“Council officials and other elected representatives do not share my views on increasing the size of the perimeter fence to help address problems at the Downs Road. There are also those concerned that such a move would set a precedent, but we need to address what’s happening at this part of Newcastle,” continued Councillor Clarke.

The politician said he has previously raised residents’ concerns with police in Newcastle with officers acknowledging there are problems at the Downs Roads play area and confirming they have responded to numerous calls from people who live at this part of the resort.

Councillor Clarke said Newcastle police are also supportive of moves to make the play area less accessible, particularly at night and during the early hours.

He added: “Problems at the Downs Road have been referred to the PCSP and I hope its members will examine all available options to address what is happening. The residents at this part of the resort have had enough.”