Police given power to tackle park problems
POLICE have been given greater powers to move on adult drug-takers causing trouble in an Exeter park.
The Echo reported earlier this month on problems in St Thomas Pleasure Ground following an "appalling attack" on a mobile youth service van when several people tried to tip it over when youth workers and youngsters were inside.
Other incidents included young people being intimidated by suspected drug users and repeated vandalism to public toilets in the park, with fires set and sinks ripped off walls.
Police say the problems are caused by adults using the park to meet to consume alcohol or for drug-related reasons.
Now Exeter City Council chief executive Philip Bostock, has sanctioned a Section 30 dispersal order for the park to run for six months from Monday.
PC Julie Chapman, beat manager for the ward, said: "The St Thomas neighbourhood police team are delighted with this new power, which will be in place for six months, as it will now provide a better environment for people using the park and for local residents in the area.
"It must be noted that this power is aimed at people acting in an antisocial manner and is not aimed at well-behaved young law-abiding citizens who come to use the park to socialise with their friends."
The order allows police and PCSOs to disperse any groups of two or more people who have either caused or are likely to cause harassment, alarm and distress to others.
Similar measures were unveiled for much of Wonford earlier this week.
PC Chapman said: "People who have been given notice to disperse must then leave the ark immediately.
"If they don't they are committing an offence and are liable to a summary conviction which may be a fine up to £2,500 and/or a term of imprisonment for up to three months."
Rob Hannaford, city and county councillor for St Thomas, said: "It is great news that the city council has fast- tracked this Section 30 application through the system so that these measures are in place for the school holidays, when we always have extra problems to cope with.
"The local police have been dealing with serious drug and alcohol problems from adults in this park for many months, and I welcome this move to help tackle the situation.
"It is important to remember that this will help park users and, most importantly, protect young people from attacks and threatening behaviour from irresponsible adults when much needed youth work sessions are taking place."
6 Comments
by John, Axminster
Saturday, July 24 2010, 8:10AM
“why not lock the park gates "”
by Cynic, Exeter
Friday, July 23 2010, 7:22PM
“Adrian - The police have worked tirelessly to reduce recorded crime figures to their lowest level for decades, and all YOU want to do is spoil it for them.
I hear that the next big thing is going to be 'automated punishment systems'. These will be incorporated into photo booths. You sit there, admit what you have done, and a recorded voice tells you not to do it again. All this AND have your picture taken at the same time, sounds like winner to me, and cheap too.”
by Timmy Hole, Exeter
Friday, July 23 2010, 3:07PM
“Why not have a park keeper Once Again.
or bring back Pc Malcolm Gardener>We miss not Having A Village
Idiot.
t”
by GRIBBLE, COWICK ST
Friday, July 23 2010, 3:02PM
“Bring back the birch
Never would have happend in my Day.”
by Adrian, Exeter
Friday, July 23 2010, 1:11PM
“Hang on, these people are breaking the law so why simply move them on to another area to continue with their illegal activities rather than prosecute”
by GEMMA WEKS, ST THOMAS
Friday, July 23 2010, 12:05PM
“Julie
lets hope you can solve this problem,
as i walked through the park this morning with the children, and my mate there was syringes left lying around by the ladies toilet.my friend Kelly nearly stepped on one.
This is not good enough”