Kingsway Park – Vandalism and ASB
Created by CliveIn a post entitled “The Big Park” co374 asked: "Does anyone know why the big park has been closed?"
I spoke to TC, a representative of the development management company, who said:
“The play park has had to be closed because of vandalism and anti-social behaviour… and related Health and Safety issues.
It is regrettable because obviously the park is a good amenity for the development but its closure was felt to be unavoidable in the circumstances.
It is to remain closed until further notice at this time.”
I must say I’m suprised that the PCSO’s referred to by c0374 didn’t know the situation and I’m also disappointed that a bunch of unruly kids can be allowed to have such a negative impact! 
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on Friday, April 4th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
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April 4th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Thanks for making those enquiries Clive.
I’ve also since found out that a number of needles were found in the park, I found this out while walking my dog I got talking to some of the builders working in the area.
I think it is disgusting that senseless idiots would leave needles in a childrens play area.
April 5th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Hi co374,
You’re welcome and yes… that is sickening!
Where we lived before we moved here, people used to use an adjacent bus shelter for “shooting up”! When our daughter was very young we used to have to go and scour the back garden for needles (and broken bottles) every day, before we could let het out to play
April 8th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
The park has a big fence around it now. However older kids have opened it up and still play football and frequent it in the evenings. The younger children are not there anymore and obviously no parents are taking their children.
So what is the point of closing the park?
Who is losing out the most here!!
What are they trying to achieve here??
Surely if the park has ASB and drug problems then an increased police presence would be far more constructive than putting up a fence that’s as useful as a chocolate fireguard…
Sorry rant over, I’m biting my lip and not happy
April 8th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
Hi nobbyc,
No problem. The exact same thing occurred to me when I heard about it. The troublemakers will just ignore or climb over it, and the complete absence of innocent visitors will make it an even better spot to peddle drugs and practice vandalism!
Also stops the youngsters from using it during the school holidays
April 10th, 2008 at 11:56 pm
I agree with you completely nobbyc, it’s the younger kids who suffer.
My 7 and 10 year olds have had a real moan about this as they both enjoy playing there with their basket ball, and now have nothing to do; the little park is for toddlers not kids their age.
They have lots of friends around here of the same age, also with nothing to do.
Do the police not think! If the kids are bored they are more likely to do something they shouldn’t.
I spotted kids up on the bank under the bridge only this morning, thats just asking for trouble.
Teenagers are not affected by this park closing, they will just move on, its not stopping them.
These PCSO’S should be there at night checking it, not a police car every hour – its a waste of time!
Also have some cameras put up find out who these scum are. Get these vile idiots off our streets.
I’m not going to stay around here, I only moved here in November 2007 thinking this would be a nice place to bring up my children, but of all the places I’ve lived it’s one of the worst, which is such a shame.
What can WE do to try to get this park open again at least by the summer hol’s?
April 11th, 2008 at 12:49 am
I’d just like to thank the brainless person who thought it was a good idea to put piles of mud in the little park. I can understand there may be parts of the park that need leveling, but to do this during half term and when the big park is closed, is just idiotic.
My “what-was cream carpet” is no longer, and is now a wonderful shade of brown where my son plays his ball in there with his friends as he cant go to the big park and has fallen over on these stupid high piles! Also I am looking at some vile kids who think it’s great to be throwing it everywhere… I can’t even let my son out now
Thanks again developers