CCTV bid to stop vandals

8:30am Thursday 4th September 2008

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CCTV cameras could be installed to stop vandals wreaking havoc in a popular park.

Thornbury Town Council is investigating the possibility of installing the system at the Mundy Playing Fields following months of vandalism at the community facility.

Anti-social behaviour there has included damage to the park's popular paddling pool and walls being pulled down.

Cllr Lesley Jones, chairman of the town council's playing fields committee, said: "We are anxious to provide the facilities on the Mundy Playing Fields for the majority of the Thornbury population who behave properly.

"This year we have had a problem with a very small handful of people who have caused vandalism and caused problems for the houses in The Close which back onto the playing fields."

The town council's playing fields committee and local police have received complaints from residents in The Close, who live near the park, about youths congregating in the playing field late into the evening on Friday and Saturday nights.

Thornbury Town Council had considered locking a gate at the entrance but decided against this.

Cllr Phyllida Parsloe, chairman of Thornbury Town Council's finance and policy committee, said: "We had concerns about locking a gate across a public footpath but wanted to address the problems that were affecting residents of The Close, so we have been looking at alternatives and think CCTV could be a possibility.

"After receiving letters from residents this problem cannot be ignored."

The town council has also been in talks with police about anti-social behaviour at the Mundy Playing Fields and has been reassured that regular patrols of the site are being conducted.

Sgt Craig Ogborne, from Thornbury Police Station, said; "Throughout the summer we have received numerous reports from members of the public about noise nuisance around the Mundy Playing Fields.

"We've been working with the park warden with regard to that activity which has included increased police patrols.

"These patrols have resulted in alcohol seizure from under 18s and in one instance a dispersal order, which required all people to leave the park immediately and not return for 48 hours.

"The town council has approached the police for advice on a longer term solution on tackling anti-social behaviour, not just at Mundy Playing Fields but throughout Thornbury, and we are working with them discussing alternative ideas."

An exact cost for the installation of a CCTV system is not yet known but Thornbury Town Council has said if the project, which is subject to a feasibility report by the council, goes ahead it will have to apply to the South Gloucestershire's Safer and Stronger Community Group for funding.

No residents of The Close were available for comment this week.