Surrey Heath Liberal Democrats - working for you, for a better future

Tackling Anti Social Behaviour in Frimley Green

Cllrs Cathie Whitcroft, Anji Patterson, Duncan Clark and Alan Whittart inspect Frimley Green Recreation Ground.

Over recent months, many residents who live close to Frimley Green Recreation Ground have experienced incidents of anti social behaviour. Such incidents include the use of foul language, playing loud music at night time, hitting golf balls into adjoining houses, 'joyriding' in the car park, the use of illegal mini motor scooters, and underage drinking.

The Recreation Ground is used regularly by a large number people and organisations without any problems whatsoever. It is therefore a pity that a small number of inconsiderate people have seen fit to act in a manner which has caused so much misery and annoyance to local residents and Recreation Ground users. Since first becoming aware of the latest problems, Liberal Democrat Councillors have been working hard to coordinate a response to this problem. The following provide an update on this work:

Petition:

In July, Councillors Alan Whittart and Anji Patterson met with the residents of Nursery Close and received a petition from them requesting that the Borough Council take action to reduce anti social behaviour within the Recreation Ground. Cllr Alan Whittart presented the Petition to the Mayor of Surrey Heath Borough Council at the last full council meeting on 19th July.

Police:

We would like to publicly thank Surrey Police for their support in this matter, especially PC Ian Jarrett, who amended his duties so that he could maintain a regular sustained presence during the summer evenings. Communication also took place between PC Jarrett and residents of Milden Gardens who had contacted the Police directly due to similar anti social behaviour issues affecting them. Your Borough Councillors have maintained close liaison with PC Ian Jarrett and Inspector Mark Adams on this issue.

Meetings:

We have met at the Recreation Ground with Officers of the Borough Council. It was agreed that a fence should be erected in front of the public conveniences to reduce the annoyance of footballs being kicked against the metal shutter during the evenings.

Action is also being considered with regards to the railings and litter bin at the Beresford Close

entrance. Currently the railings prevent cycles from being ridden through the entrance at speed but they are also used by young people as a seat and area to congregate. A suitable alternative is being investigated that meets the safety issue whilst discouraging youths from gathering there. Our discussions have also covered the role of the Contractors who manage the park on a daily basis and they have been reminded that part of their duties include securing the vehicular gates on the Frimley Green Road.

Following a very well attended Police Liaison meeting which PC Ian Jarrett organised, we are now seeking a further meeting with all relevant partner organisations to progress matters further. Options that will be considered include the possible use by the Council of security staff to monitor the Recreation Ground, revising the contract of Recreation Ground contractors to make them responsible for behavioural issues; and the possible closure, on a pilot basis, of some of the entrances to the Recreation Ground. The issue of closing the main gate to prevent cars entering the Recreation ground during the evenings and even the possibility of the use of Closed Circuit cameras will be discussed. The objective is to develop a coordinated strategy to prevent a repetition of the anti-social behaviour next Spring and Summer that residents have had to put up with this year.

Teen Shelter:

During hot weather, park users, especially young people, move to the edge of the park next to

residential properties to find shade and respite from the sun. We have suggested that the provision of a 'teen shelter' should be considered. This would not only provide shade but shelter from the elements too. The preferred site for this would be close to the pavilion, thereby moving people away from the gardens of the adjoining houses, and hopefully reducing noise. This is still in the early stages of negotiation and although we accept that the idea may not be popular with some people, a teen shelter would be installed on a pilot basis and could be removed if it proves unsuccessful.

Please be assured that we are keeping the situation under review. Please let us know if you have any comments or queries on this by contacting Cllr Alan Whittart who is coordinating our response on this issue. Email: alan.whittart@surreyheath.gov.uk Tel: 01252 668390