After numerous instances of illegal encampments, anti-social behaviour, and human excrement in a Green Flag park, height barriers have been installed at the site.
St Mary’s Park in Prestwich is now sporting padlocked height barriers in the hopes that it will prevent travellers from camping illegally there.
It is hoped the new safety installation will soon be backed up by three 4G security cameras.
Cllr Alan Quinn said: “The barriers have been funded by a section 106 contribution from the Bellway Homes development which is why we have been able to do this.
“At the end of the day I'd rather spend it on play equipment, but I've decided to put these height barriers up to stop travellers illegally trespassing on St Mary’s Park.”
Earlier last month, after travellers left the park, human excrement and litter were found covering the fields and Cllr Quinn disclosed that each new illegal encampment costs the council around £5,000 in eviction and clean-up costs.
Read more: Human excrement found covering Bury Green Flag park after Travellers leave
He added: “People love their parks in Bury. We've spent a lot of time and effort on them, and we still manage to invest in them despite cuts.
“But when this happens, people can't enjoy them because of the fear, litter and intimidation it causes.”
With the installation of new padlocked height barriers, Cllr Quinn has given the go-ahead for three lots of 4G CCTV cameras to be installed.
He said: “If the height barriers are vandalised, we can get people on CCTV and it also gives us extra security coverage for the playground.
The height barriers for St Mary's Park are being installed. pic.twitter.com/6RAfzDKYBH
— Cllr Alan Quinn (@cllralanquinn) October 2, 2022
“The 4G cameras will cover the play area and most of the park so for instance, if there is any anti-social behaviour during the carnival or Festwich, we can use it to identify that too.”
New locks are being issued to groups that use the park and after meeting with the police.
Cllr Quinn has been discussing new legislation regarding the problem of illegal encampments as well as looking into how other areas of Greater Manchester handle the issue.
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