Security to be stepped up at skate park

A NEW CCTV camera is to be installed at the skate park in King George V park to improve safety in the area and combat anti-social behaviour.

At last week’s area board meeting, Wiltshire councillors agreed to give £990 towards a new CCTV camera that will be linked to Melksham Town Council’s existing CCTV system in the park. The footage will be accessible remotely and in real time, and local police have said it will be beneficial to their investigations. “Anti-social behaviour has blighted this area for some time now,” said cllr Mike Sankey. “The benefits of good quality CCTV are evidenced by the recent successful prosecution in respect to the fire, adjacent to the pavilion.”

Cllr Jack Oatley, who is also a town councillor added, “It will definitely help tackle the anti-social behaviour there, and improve safety. We’ve been saying that we need a camera by the skate park for a while, and I know that some of the users of the skate park have been asking for it as well.”

Cllr Jon Hubbard, who is also a town councillor and mayor, said that he hoped the new camera would make the skate park a “safer place for residents to enjoy”.

“Local police sergeant, James Twyford, welcomed the news of the new skate park camera. He said, “There’s definitely a need for it and it will help us hugely with investigations on top of any deterrent effect.”

Police action

Melksham police have reassured the community that it is taking action against ongoing anti-social behaviour issues at the skate park.

According to the local policing team, the skate park became a “hotspot” for anti-social behaviour during the summer holidays – and continues to be a problem, despite children returning to school. As well as continuing regular patrols and working with local partners, such as schools, the police are encouraging parents to ‘do their bit’ and be more aware of what their children are doing outside of the home.

Police say, “Over the summer holidays we were aware that the King George V park had become a hotspot for repeat anti-social behaviour, very often involving the same group of young people. “This has continued even after the schools have gone back, and police officers and police community support officers have been carrying out regular proactive patrols of the area to try to provide reassurance and act as a deterrent to anyone looking to cause trouble.”

PC Jack Bush, from the local policing team, has explained that he is liaising with partners, including local schools, to try to tackle the issue. He said, “We are hoping that a combined approach of visible policing and partnership work, will help reduce the problems in the park, but we are also appealing to local parents to help us. “Do you know where your children are hanging out, who they are with and what they might be up to? “We know that there are sometimes a large group of young people congregating in the park and causing problems, and we want the parents of these children to ensure they are doing their bit to help reduce anti-social behaviour (ASB).

“We also want to encourage anyone who witnesses ASB or crimes being committed, to report these to the police.

“The park and skate park are there for everyone to enjoy without feeling uncomfortable or threatened, and we all need to work together to ensure this happens.” You can report ASB or crime via the police website, by calling 101, or calling 999 if it is an emergency or a crime is in progress.

Police add, “Please quote reference number 54210067992 when reporting in relation to this specific issue at the park.”