A CCTV camera has been installed at a Barrow park following anti-social behaviour and criminal damage.
Westmorland & Furness Council and Cumbria police are working together to give extra peace of mind to residents and visitors at Barrow Park.
As well as joint patrols by police officers and council colleagues in the daytime, plus extra police patrols at night, a CCTV camera has now been set up following anti-social behaviour and criminal damage such as setting light to park furniture in the 45-acre green space.
The camera has been installed as part of Operation Enhance, Cumbria police’s county-wide crackdown on anti-social behaviour, funded by the Cumbria Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.
Grade II-listed Barrow Park features a bandstand, carefully tended lawns and flower beds, pavilion, glasshouse and boating lake. It is also home to Barrow’s Saturday morning parkrun.
Councillor Judith Derbyshire, Westmorland and Furness Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety, said: “Barrow Park is a much-loved part of the town’s heritage where residents and visitors have been enjoying fresh air and nature in beautiful surroundings for well over a century.
“We are working closely with Cumbria police to make sure that the actions of a very small number of people don’t stop everyone else from feeling safe and welcome at the park.
“This new CCTV will enhance our efforts as it is used to monitor ongoing reports of ASB and criminal damage.
“We urge anyone who sees such behaviour to report it to Cumbria police. As the evenings draw in, we would also encourage everyone to use the park in a safe and respectful way.”
Sergeant Paul Holmes, of Barrow Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We have been working closely with colleagues at Westmorland and Furness Council and are pleased to make these improvements in the area.
“As well as the introduction of this new CCTV camera, we have been conducting joint patrols with council staff at the park and have been carrying out additional police patrols at night to address some of the concerns reported.
“Regular dedicated hotspot policing patrols will continue in the area as part of Operation Enhance to reduce calls for anti-social behaviour and disorder.
“I hope residents, businesses and visitors in the area feel reassured that we, alongside our partner agencies, are taking a proactive approach to improve the area and reduce crime.”
