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Council pays for field patrol




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A security guard is patrolling Balderton playing field to help tackle anti-social behaviour after claims of a lack of support from police.

Balderton Parish Council is paying a Newark firm, Security 2, £1,145 to patrol the Coronation Street field at weekends over the summer.

It took the decision after being plagued by anti-social youths drinking alcohol and leaving litter.

The parish council chairman, Mrs Angela Jarvis, said: “We felt we weren’t getting the sort of back up from the police we felt we needed.

“We felt we had to so something to protect our property and the safety of the people on the field.”

Mrs Jarvis said paying for security was a burden on the rate payer, but she said residents understood the problems the council was having.

She said youths had been creating mayhem but since employing the firm the litter had decreased and behaviour was better.

The council is trialling the initiative for three months, until October, when it will be reviewed.

A security guard patrols the field from about 6pm to 9pm.

The three gates to the field are normally closed at dusk, but on those days only the main gate remains open in the early evening.

The owner of Security 2, Mr Dave Thompson, said the initiative had been a success so far.

Mr Thompson said it was only a minority causing the problems and residents had now reclaimed the field for their own use.

Inspector Steve Cartwright, the neighbourhood policing inspector for Newark, said: “Anti-social behaviour has been identified as a top policing priority in the Balderton area, including the park in Coronation Street.

“Police officers and police community support officers, together with anti-social behaviour officers from Newark and Sherwood District Council and licensing officers, have been conducting increased patrols in the area.

“Balderton Parish Council has also brought in extra security at the site, which acts as a visible presence and has resulted in a reduction in anti-social behaviour at the park.

“This is not a replacement for the police, but has been used in conjunction with our routine police patrols.

“This is an example of how we are working with our partners to reduce anti-social behaviour.

“Incidents that are reported to the police are graded depending how serious the incident is and officers will be deployed accordingly.

“If we are not able to attend straight away, we will review the incident as soon as possible.

“Further patrols are being planned over the coming weeks, where juveniles found drinking will be brought to the police station and their parents will be contacted to come and discuss their child’s behaviour.

“As part of this initiative, juveniles and parents will be offered the choice of a fine or attendance at an education programme.

“I encourage parents to ensure they know what their children are doing when they are not at home.

“We all have an active part to play in reducing anti-social behaviour and I expect parents to engage with their children.

“If this engagement is not forthcoming there will be a financial penalty. This will hopefully encourage parents to speak to their children and reduce this unacceptable behaviour.

“I would like to remind the public that if they witness anti-social behaviour, they should report it immediately on 0300 300 99 99.”



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