Call for patrols to tackle park problems

A mother is demanding action to resolve anti-social behaviour on a playing field.

Mrs Claire Smith said Collis Close park, Newark, was blighted by people riding quad bikes and motorbikes, rowdy teenagers, and dog walkers who did not clear up after their pets.

Her appeal followed an incident when it was discovered a slide her two-year-old daughter, Amelia, was about to use was covered in broken glass.

Mrs Smith, of Blatherwick Road, said the police and Newark and Sherwood District Council should be doing more. She has written to Newark MP Robert Jenrick.

She is calling for regular patrols, clear-up days and CCTV on the playing field.

“Something needs to be done and soon,” she said.

“It is a great space for children to be children and run and explore the outdoors.

“But the park is not fenced. It is a large playing field, half of which has five pieces of equipment for children to use. The rest is open field.

“I watch people who do not pick up after their dog even when there are children playing in the area.

“Due to the play apparatus not being in a fenced area, dogs are often spotted weeing up against the slide, climbing frame and swing frames where children are playing.”

Mrs Smith has complained to the police on several occasions about the use of motorbikes and quad bikes.

She said riders chased each other on their machines while children were playing and people were walking their dogs.

Last year a car went through a fence and almost knocked someone over.

“The people doing this don’t care,” she said. “The police eventually come out, but by the time they do the troublemakers have moved on to a different place.

“Children are on that park on a daily basis, come rain or shine. A car driving at high speed through such an area is not acceptable.

“These situations where joyriders are on the park could end in a fatality.”

Glass, rubbish and used toilet paper left behind

Mrs Smith said a group of teenagers were on the park recently until the early hours.

“There were girls screaming and music was being played. Mess left behind included glass, rubbish and used toilet paper,” she said.

“It is not fair for residents of the estate who use the park correctly and want their children to have a safe place to play.”

A Nottinghamshire Police spokesperson said: “We are aware of some incidents relating to anti-social behaviour in the Collis Close area of Newark.

“We are actively working with our partners to tackle off-road biking. High-visibility patrols are in place that look to stop riders and seize bikes as well as issue tenancy warnings and warnings under anti-social behaviour legislation.

“We would urge residents with any concerns to report these to us via 101, providing as much detail as possible.”

A spokesman for Newark and Sherwood District Council, which manages the park, said: “Our grounds maintenance team checks all parks and amenities on a regular basis to ensure they are safe places for the public to enjoy at all times.

“We are aware of a complaint regarding anti-social behaviour at Collis Close and will be working with the police to investigate and take appropriate action where possible.

“If anyone has any concerns about anti-social behaviour anywhere in the district they should either contact the police on 101 or the council’s anti-social behaviour team on 01636 650000.