Agenda item

To consider the petition in accordance with the arrangements under the Council’s Petition Scheme (Appendix 27 of the Council’s Constitution).

Councillor Kyle Robinson spoke to the petition regarding the Clough Hall Park petition which had been handed in at the last Council meeting, in September.

Councillor Robinson stated that he was disappointed with the report in that he felt that more could have been done.  He challenged the number of incidents that had been reported stating that the number of incidents had increased during the summer.

Residents had been proactive and the Clough Hall Park Action Group had carried out litter picks to make it look cared for.

Councillor Robinson said that, due to budget cuts faced by the Council, parks across the Borough had suffered and when they looked uncared for, anti-social behaviour takes place.

The temporary CCTV that had been provided had helped.

Councillor Robinson sought assurance from the Council that they would make a contribution to or match fund for CCTV in the Park.

In addition, a recent survey had been carried out and an update of responses was requested.

Councillor Mark Holland, the Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Heritage stated that Clough Hall Park now hosted a Junior Park run which gives young people something valuable to do.  Councillor Holland agreed that the petition should be referred to the Heath, Wellbeing and Partnerships Scrutiny Committee to make recommendations for future actions.

Councillor Jill Waring, the Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Wellbeing thanked Councillor Robinson for taking the time to coordinate the petition.  There had been a few incidents in the Park earlier in the year.

A number of organisations had been met with and the Council had been proactive with enforcing parental responsibility and there had been a successful SPACE programme.  The police had provided high visibility in the area and individuals had been stop-searched.

There had only been a small number of complaints about the Park.  People were encouraged to report all incidents and Councillor Waring stated that she received a weekly report from the police and Fire Authority  and there had been two incidents  in a seven week period.

Councillor Stephen Sweeney, the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Efficiency had met with the Chief Inspector of Police, Claire Langley who had stated that Clough Hall Park was “no better – or worse than other parks in the Borough”.

Councillor Stubbs stated that 518 people had signed the petition who said there were issues in the Park.

Council Leader, Councillor Simon Tagg stated that a report in the Sentinel had stated that locking the Park would not be effective and agreed that it should be referred to the Scrutiny Committee.  With reference to the CCTV, a meeting would be held with Kidsgrove Town Council in the new year to see how the two Councils could work together.  All items would be taken into consideration by the Cabinet.

Councillor Proctor stated that he had sympathy with areas suffering from anti-social behaviour and said that it went on periodically in all areas.  There are seven play areas in the Audley Ward and where CCTV had been needed and it had been installed through the Parish Council.

Resolved:     That the petition be referred to the Health, Wellbeing and

Partnerships Scrutiny Committee for consideration.