The refurbishment of the Lawrence Street play area was finally completed recently. However last Friday evening 30th May 2008 I was outraged by a party invasion at the park.
I stopped to visit the play park just after 10am Saturday morning and witnessed the aftermath of this disgraceful attack such as discarded condoms and litter all around the new play park. I cannot comprehend the attitude of the kind of people who would do this. The majority of young people today are well-behaved. Once again it is the small minority who ruin it for others.
Local neighbours were disturbed by the noise and are appalled at the damage and mess created by these vandals. I am appealing for witnesses so these people can be caught and stopped from causing this kind of problem again.
We need stress that the park is everyone space and each person has the responsibility of keeping it clean. Let’s ask the offenders to clear up their mess!!!
I think also with some of the young ones that were around there, it comes back to the parents of these teenagers knowing where they are at night, particularly after dark.
I have asked Newark and Sherwood District Council to cut back the shrubbery on the park so that visibility is improved.
Areas such as this should be patrolled daily by officers and police community support officers to discourage anti-social behaviour and criminal damage. I will be also carrying out routine patrols around the new play park which was been open for only a week. I will be taking my mobile phone with me to call police if needed.
We need your help and that of the Council to ensure that the park is available for the use of everyone!
LAURENCE GOFF
Lovers Lane/Welbeck Tenants and Residents Association Committee Member
