'We are starting to see results' - security stepped up at a Harborough park at the centre of recent anti-social behaviour

Security is being stepped up at a Market Harborough park which has been at the centre of recent anti-social behaviour.

Cllr Peter James said a combined multi-agency approach is starting to produce results at Little Bowden Recreation Ground.

The Liberal Democrat councillor said he’s feeling far more optimistic after a mass fight involving up to 100 young people broke out late on Friday June 26.

Men were seen taking part in brutal bare-knuckle fighting while two knives were recovered afterwards by police as the astonishing flare-up made headlines across the region.

Cllr James, who represents Little Bowden on Harborough District Council, said: “I attended a meeting on Friday with the police, fire service and council officers and it was very positive.

“We are definitely moving in the right direction after weeks of trouble came to a head that awful Friday night.

“The situation at the park is settling down as strong action is taken and we are determined to prevent any more serious disturbances.”

He added: “Mobile CCTV cameras are going to be deployed to sweep Little Bowden Recreation Ground and make it more secure.

“Cause trouble and you’ll be filmed, found and held to account.

“Graffiti is being cleaned off our public toilets there and additional signs are being put up advising people how to use them.

“Police patrols are being ramped up and new bigger litter bins are also being installed to try to reduce the inexcusable rubbish problem.”

Cllr James said barbeques are banned from the sprawling park off Northampton Road.

“I am also appealing to people not to leave broken glass all over the grass.

“The park is very popular with dog walkers and jagged glass poses a real threat to pets as well as humans,” he said.

“We have a lovely big park there and my message to people is a simple one.

“Enjoy Little Bowden rec but do not destroy it.

“It’s a fantastic open space, ideal for keeping your social distance.

“But users also have to think of frightened local residents, who have had enough of terrible, unacceptable behaviour over the last few weeks.

“Our police will use tough dispersal orders, as they did on Friday June 26, if they need to to break up large gatherings.

“So behave yourselves and respect other park users as well as local people who live nearby.”

Visitors are allowed to drink in the park but only if they do so responsibly and take home their rubbish, said a council spokesman.

Anyone caught dropping litter and causing a mess will face fines of £150.

A letter has now been sent to fed-up residents to update them on measures being taken to combat trouble.

Cllr Simon Whelband, Harborough District Council’s Cabinet lead for communities, said: “The easing of the lockdown has resulted in an unprecedented increase in the use of our parks.

“However, anti-social behaviour of any kind will not be tolerated.

“We are closely working with the police and local residents to address concerns and ensure that our parks remain clean, safe and hospitable places to enjoy.”

A Public Space Protection Order is also being “actively enforced” with alcohol removed from anyone “behaving in an anti-social manner”.

If residents have any concerns about anti-social behaviour they should call police on 101 or report online at:

https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/asb/af/antisocial-behaviour/

Residents can report littering via an online form on Harborough District Council’s website or by emailing [email protected]