A LOCAL politician has failed in his bid to have increased security measures provided at a Newcastle playground in an attempt to reduce anti-social behaviour in the area.
Councillor Patrick Clarke said residents at the Downs Road in the resort are concerned about the early morning antics of people leaving pubs in the town and making their way to the Down Council-owned playground and nearby beach.
He raised the issue at last week’s meeting of the local authority’s Building Control and Estates Committee, but his proposal to increase the size of the playground’s perimeter fence and to have the facility locked at night failed to secure any support.
Council officials estimate the cost of a new security fence would be in the region of £10,000 and indicated that if they agreed to councillor Clarke’s request, it could set a precedent, with similar requests for increased security at other local authority-owned playgrounds.
Councillor Clarke said the Downs Road issue was raised with him by residents in May last year who pointed out that the playground was being used for what he described as “non-recreational activities.”
He said he raised residents’ concerns with council officials on several occasions, with his request referred to a number of its committees and the recently formed Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), with no affirmative action taken.
“Revellers gather at the playground during the early hours, particularly during the summer months and at weekends. I don’t believe that implementing the measures I have suggested would set a precedent.
“Instead, they will provide an enhanced play park, properly secured, along a busy main road and promenade,” he continued.
Councillor Clarke, who said local police were supportive of efforts to make the playground less accessible at times, stressed that he was looking for a long term solution to the anti-social behaviour issue at the Downs Road and to give residents some “peaceful, long-term enjoyment of their properties.”
Councillor Carmel O’Boyle said anti-social behaviour was a policing and community matter and that the new PCSP would look at bye-laws relating to playgrounds. She said the Partnership will make the issue a priority in the coming months.
“Police need to respond immediately to reports of anti-social behaviour in this and in all our playgrounds. As with the installation of CCTV, when measures are taken to deter anti-social behaviour, the perpetrators just move off somewhere else and misbehave there instead,” she continued.
Speaking after last week’s meeting, Councillor Willie Clarke said he had “every sympathy” for those who live at the Downs Road area and that he he will work with all agencies and residents to resolve problems in the area.
The local politician, who proposed the issue should be referred to the PCSP, said the organisation should also look at the problem of so-called boy racers at both the Downs Road and Donard Park.