Users of King George V Playing Field were asked to complete a survey to gather information about its use and to help decide what action to take to try to alleviate incidents of anti-social behaviour in the park.
The survey, which ran from 15th September until 15th October, was publicised via the Council’s website, Facebook page, in the Chapter and on notices placed in the park. Copies of the survey were also hand delivered to the properties around the park to make sure residents living closest to the park had an opportunity to have their say.
The survey has been a huge success achieving 185 responses. Councillors considered the results of the survey at their meeting held on Wednesday 20th October. After careful consideration and taking into account views expressed the Council has decided to install additional fencing and gates so that the park can be locked on an evening. When the fence and gates have been installed the park will open from 8.00 am and will close at 4.00 pm during winter months and 8.00 pm during summer months in line with other parks in the town.
In addition, barriers or kissing gates are to be installed within the Park to make access by off-road bikes and quadbikes more difficult. We are aware that people with disabilities and parents of young children use the park and therefore we will ensure that the barriers are accessible for wheelchairs, Motability scooters and pushchairs.
New LED lights are also to be installed on the existing lighting columns and two high quality CCTV cameras will be installed.
Councillors Peter Atkinson and Joe Quinn have committed to contribute funding from their Durham County Council Neighbourhood Budgets to help finance the work.
The Council deferred the decision on the installation of the skatepark to gather further information about technical aspects of the installation and the views of potential funders. This will give the opportunity to assess the impact of the measures to be taken before making a final decision.
Councillor Dave Farry, Mayor of Ferryhill, said that ‘I am delighted that so many people took the time to complete the survey. This has helped the Council make informed decisions about the park. It is hoped that the measures being taken will help tackle antisocial behaviour in the park. A decision will be taken about the skatepark at a later date when we will be able to see what effect the agreed action has. I would like to thank Councillors Atkinson and Quinn for their contributions to help finance the work’.
The work will take place as soon as possible, however it is not possible to give timescales due to the difficulties experienced by contractors obtaining materials at the current time.
The results of the survey can be found here King George V Survey Results
