Southwell's Memorial Park has seen decline in vandalism due to cold weather and changes in opening times

A Southwell park has seen a reduction in crime because of the colder weather, a town councillor says.

Memorial Park toilets had been the subject of vandalism over the summer but recently the town council have seen a decline in petty crime.

Operations chairman at Southwell Town Council Mrs Beryl Prentice said: “Most of the vandalism happened in the summer months. We had to close it quite often for safety reasons and it has been at a huge cost to the town.

“Now the weather is colder it has acted as a deterrent but it was really bad in the summer.”

Town councillor Mr Peter Harris believes that the decision to reduce the opening hours of the toilets in the park is the reason behind the drop in crime.

“The crimes would often take place late afternoon and when we changed the opening hours, so that the toilets would only be open from mid-morning to early afternoon, we saw a massive change,” he said.

“We installed CCTV there earlier this year because it is an ongoing problem.

“Safety is really important, especially as the toilets are located near the toddler play park.

“It’s important that they do remain open because it’s a long way into town for toddlers and their parents to go to the toilet when they’re at Memorial
Park.”

The toilets have been closed three times for repair during the summer months.

Mr Harris said: “Things got broken. The toilet was smashed up, the tap was left running and the toilet bowl was broken. It’s expensive vandalism.”

The town council held a public consultation in October where a discussion took place over the future of the park toilets.

“My view and the consensus was that it should be open as much as possible but steps must be taken to reduces the problems,” Mr Harris said.