MOVES to revive a rundown park are underway with police and councillors urging local people to get involved in efforts to transform the green space in the heart of Northallerton.
They’re hoping to hold a meeting to bring together ideas and support for a plan to breathe new life into Bullamoor Park . Money has been invested in the playground area which is used by local children, but the rest of the park is rarely used especially later at night because of safety concerns.
CCTV cameras have been installed and Mayor of Northallerton Councillor John Forrest said they’re hoping to create more interest in staging events and establishing other uses in the park.
Cllr Forrest said he is working with Simon Wilson, the Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant for Northallerton, after concerns were raised. There have been serious incidents in the park in the past, in 2014 there was a report of a serious sexual assault, but it’s now felt there it is more a perception that the park is not safe.
The play park
Cllr Forrest said: "Although there have been some major incidents over the years Sgt Wilson said they do not receive a great deal of reports and complaints about the park. But we want to look forward and make the park into a nice place to go.
"It is a valuable green space in the town. I would like to see a group from Hambleton District Council, North Yorkshire County Council, the Town Council and the police together with the community push to do something with the park to make it our own."
Councillor Jack Dobson said: "It is a great shame and very disappointing that the use of Bullamoor Park has declined so drastically. The town council has done work in the past but only the children’s play area is still in constant use. There has been a rise in bad behaviour. Somehow we have to get the youth and everybody else using the park."
Cllr Forrest added: "There has been an idea to fence off the park so it can be locked up at night and looked after on a rota basis but it’s not all owned by the council and that could prove to be difficult. We need to come up with an action plan to try and improve the amenities and the reputation of the park, so we need to bring people together to look at what can be done."
The town council can be contacted at www.northallertontowncouncil.gov.uk
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