Council turning cameras on park to stop the vandals

Friends of North Park have arranged for cameras in the neighbouring North Road cemetery to be turned so they will also cover the park.

The cost of moving the cameras has been paid for by the council.

The group believes moving the cameras is the first step towards combating the vandalism and anti-social behaviour that has plagued the park in recent years.

Councillor Steven Jones, chairman of Friends of North Park, said that he was confident the CCTV coverage would quickly make a difference.

He said: "The movement of the cameras was our main priority, as that really means a step in the right direction towards making the park safe. "We are very pleased the council are backing us, and are grateful for their co-operation.

"This will help in our fight against vandalism, and our aim to make the park safe and secure so people who want to go there can do so without worries."

Tom Nicholson, secretary of the friends group, said working with the council was an important element in regenerating the park.

"We want to work together to improve things for local park users, and to make it more accessible.

"We know the park has seen better days, but you can't turn the clock back, you can only move forward, and we are going the right way about it."

The group is hoping to begin regeneration work by the summer.

The friends group is also considering creating a family area in the park.

The family area would include an area featuring activities for children and a mobile skate park.

"We have some excellent longer-term projects in mind, but, in the short-term, we want to get people to use the park," said Coun Jones.

"The more they do, the less trouble there will be, and once it takes off, we can plan more and there'll be no looking back."

A council spokesman said that the formation of the Friends of North Park group was a significant step forward.

He added: "We are pleased to help in the fight against anti-social behaviour in the area."