30 April 2009, 09/91
Anti social behaviour could force closure of
park
Residents are being asked for their views about the future
of a Skelmersdale play area.
The local community was delighted when West Lancashire
District Council first opened the new facilities at Abbeystead Park
in 2004 because it gave local young people a place to have fun and
socialise.
Although this project has been successful, in recent
months the District Council has received complaints concerning anti
social behaviour in this area which is affecting people’s quality
of life.
The multi use games area and teenage shelter have been
highlighted as part of the problem and the Council has received
requests to remove this facility.
Following these complaints, the Council has already sent
out letters to nearby households asking for their views. Now they
are giving other residents the opportunity to express whether they
think that closing these facilities would solve the
problem.
Dave Tilleray, Executive Manager for Community Services,
said: "The initial idea for the play area came from local residents
and children, who were closely involved in choosing designs and
helping the project come to fruition. They were delighted with the
results and it has been a popular park within the community, which
is why it’s such a shame that a minority who are abusing the park
could force its closure. We have received a number of complaints in
recent months and think the only solution would be to close the
park.
"We always work closely with the police and will continue
to work with them to try to curb anti social behaviour but we’re
trying to find out what the best solution would be for this area.
This is why it is important that residents give their views so that
we can make a decision that will benefit the community.
Obviously we would like to keep these facilities for the
community but if the residents prefer it to be removed we will act
accordingly."
Residents have until Friday 15 May to give their views to
the Council by contacting Paula Campbell on 01695 585144 or
emailing paula.campbell@westlancsdc.gov.uk.
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