Police and council team up to tackle antisocial behaviour that is blighting a park

Basildon’s community safety partnership (CSP) has organised a street week - taking place in Gloucester Park, in Cranes Farm Road, Basildon, between Monday and Friday next week.

It is an opportunity for a visible presence to be created in response to community concerns.

Members of the partnership will be present in the park from 1pm to 5pm throughout the course of the week.

Deputy mayor David Burton-Sampson said: “Things have quietened down over the winter but the level of antisocial behaviour at the park tends to increase in the summer.

“There is already starting to be an uplift of people riding mopeds there.

“The street week will come at a good time to get the message out there that we have to respect the park and the people who live near the park.

“The mopeds are dangerous as people walk about in the park.”

Signs are set to be installed in the park warning those misusing motorcycles that they risk them being seized by the police and further enforcement action being taken.

Street week activity will culminate in a street meeting taking place with residents from the Gloucester Park development, starting at 4pm by the lake.

Independent councillor Kerry Smith, chairman of Basildon Council’s housing and community committee, said: “This week is an opportunity for residents to address some of the issues being reported and engage with partner agencies.

“It’s a co-ordinated multi-agency approach to tackling anti-social behaviour and will enable residents to pick up free advice and give them a platform for sharing their views.

“The aim of the week is for members of the Basildon CSP to have a visible presence in the park to address anti-social behaviour issues including the misuse of motorbikes and anti-social behaviour around the skate park.”

Essex Police, Basildon Council, Essex Fire Service, Phoenix Futures and Citizens Advice Bureau will all be represented and on hand to offer free crime prevention materials.