Newcastle Central MP Chi Onwurah and Kenton Councillor Stephen Lambert have joined forces calling for an end to anti-social behaviour in parks and green spaces following a spate of fires on Kenton Dene, Gosforth and Nuns Moor (North).
According to the two representatives anti social behaviour (ASB) and arson attacks are ”blighting neighbourhood parks”. Park users and dog walkers are concerned to find broken glass, litter and rubbish strewn through the grass, and during the past month a number of communal bins have been set on fire.
Chi Onwurah said : ”Newcastle Central residents care deeply about their neighbourhoods. Ending problems such as litter, deliberate fires, fly-tipping and burnt-out vehicles are at the very top of their priorities.”
Councillor Stephen Lambert said: ”Quality of life issues during the pandemic are very high on residents’ agenda across Kenton and nearby areas. The physical condition of green spaces, the state of our parks and community safety figure more highly in peoples priorities than central government imagines.”
Both Labour politicians believe that these are very real issues which have to be addressed, as residents feel: ASB is increasing across the Newcastle Central constituency, and ASB plagues the more deprived communities.
They praised Northumbria Police and Tyne and Wear Fire Service for their ”prompt and pro-active approach” to dealing with the recent spate of fires across Kenton Dene and the Moor.
However, they still think that more needs and so they are calling for:
- The roll out of more CCTV to prevent ASB in ‘hot spots” to prevent disorder and detect crime;
- The introduction of drones to tackle ASB on green spaces and in parks;
- Each council ward should have a name designated Police Officer as first port of call;
- Central government investment in youth clubs and other ”diversionary” activities including boxing clubs, such as the TKO club in North Kenton.
