A new CCTV system at a park where users feel a 'little intimidated' has been welcomed by parents and neighbours. Visitors to Muirfield Park, situated between Bestwood and Arnold, said the proposals would ensure security.
Gedling Borough Council made the application following a number of complaints about anti-social behaviour and general crime in the area. A planning document says the authority hopes the camera will "reduce the fear of crime as well as helping with the detection of crime".
The proposals for the CCTV system will be discussed by Gedling Borough Council's planning committee on Wednesday (October 12). Council officers have recommended approval, subject to certain conditions and a decision being made at the meeting.
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Glen Cree, a 63-year-old carer who has lived close to the park for 30 years, said groups tended to congregate at the park. "It's not going to do any harm, it will ensure security. [It's] general things like littering and graffiti, you can imagine what's going on sometimes. Kids hang around and can be a little intimidating, I think it will deter them."
Anna Osbourne, a 33-year-old who was at the park along with her son, told Nottinghamshire Live new CCTV was "definitely a good idea". "Everywhere should have them," she said.
"I don't come here often but I think it's a lovely park. If anyone wanted to come and destroy something it would be good to find out who that person was. It's safe and calm here, it would be nice if the rest of the area was so good. I think it will keep it safe."
An anonymous 61-year-old hospital worker, who lives nearby, added: "That would be good, it would be fabulous and much needed. There are problems more in summer than in the winter. It's a really lovely park."
The CCTV would be used for the recreation ground, play area and public footpath running through the park as a deterrent and to record possible crimes in the area, documents say.
Plans for the CCTV were put forward earlier this year. Speaking previously, leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke, said: “A priority for the council is to reduce anti-social behaviour, crime and the fear of crime, and one of the ways we are doing that is by investing in new CCTV.
"We know how popular this park and open space is and it’s vital that we make sure that our residents feel safe. We’ve listened to residents’ concerns about this area and have put forward proposals to introduce CCTV. Residents in other parts of the borough, where CCTV has been installed, have seen a notable drop in anti-social behaviour and crime and we expect the same to happen here, if plans are approved.
“We have some fantastic facilities at Killisick Recreation Ground, including a brand new £100,000 play area that opened last year, and we want to make sure areas like this are safe for all our residents to enjoy.”
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