Agenda item

Following scrutiny, the recommendation was supported to Cabinet.

James M. Davies, Neighbourhood Services Manager explained that this report follows up on the initial report from late 2024, which initiated a four-month trial period. Members were advised that the report presents feedback from stakeholders, staff, and community safety partnership meetings held at the start and end of the trial. Members were advised that the next step is to proceed with a full consultation process, expected to last 6 to 8 weeks, starting in a few weeks.

 

The chair thanked officers and cabinet members for considering the feedback from the first report. He noted that members had suggested including a consultation process during the trial but agreed that conducting a proper consultation now is a better option. He felt members appreciated this approach.

 

Members asked if the cost of repairing damage to parks would outweigh the savings from locking them? If parks are being damaged, is locking them the best solution?

 

Officers clarified that the initiative wasn't intended as a cost-saving measure, despite identifying a £5000 saving. The main reason for the initiative was the frequent failure of lock-in operations due to the nature of the role and difficulties encountered with people staying in the parks overnight. This prompted the consideration of the initiative.

 

Officers advised that they received feedback indicating that locking the parks wasn't beneficial. Officers plan to address issues in parks by implementing mitigation measures rather than locking gates. This will allow officers to reallocate resources to improve playground maintenance and inspections during regular working hours. Any savings could be offset by the cost of additional measures like bollards.

 

Members inquired whether reassigning mobile rangers to play areas represents a reduction in staff. They also asked if, in case of vandalism issues would there be other personnel available to lock gates if the mobile ranger positions are eliminated.

 

Officers clarified that there is no reduction in staff. The goal is to reallocate resources to improve playground inspections and maintenance, providing better value for money. The mobile ranger is not currently on call to handle vandalism or similar issues, and this will not change if the decision is made permanent following the consultation.

 

Members were advised that supervisors manage the different zones across the borough, and this will continue. There is also an on-call rota to address safety issues during weekends and evenings.

 

Members asked if there will still be personnel available to lock parks in the future if needed.

 

Officers explained that they need to understand the necessity of locking parks. During the four-month trial, over 50% of feedback concerned Victoria Gardens, which has unique challenges due to its proximity to the town centre and evening activities. The police noted an impact when gates were previously installed. Unlike most parks, Victoria Gardens is manned during the day.

 

Members were advised that currently, there is no impact on staffing as staff are already working during the gate closing hours. The consultation may lead to a recommendation to exclude Victoria Gardens from the initiative due to its unique circumstances. Other parks don’t have on-demand availability to lock gates. If issues arise officers aim to implement other measures, and if unsuccessful, revert to locking gates may be necessary.

 

Members noted that the trial period was over winter hours, which might not provide a complete picture. They suggested that now the public knows the gates are left open, it could lead to increased antisocial behaviour, especially in parks like Victoria Gardens, which is centrally located.

 

Members proposed gathering more evidence-based data; suggesting the trial could be extended through the summer to observe any changes in social behaviour before making any major decisions.

 

Members noted that Brynhyfryd Recreation Ground is locally known as ‘James's Field’ and questioned its inclusion since it can't be locked. They suggested widening the consultation area around Jersey Park to include properties directly opposite and near the Ynysmaerdy entrance, as well as those on Cwrt Yr Ysgol and near the gate at The Incline.

 

Officers advised that the process for identifying the addresses for hand-delivered correspondence is explained in the report. People receiving hand-delivered correspondence get the same information as those scanning the QR code. If there are additional addresses that should be included, members can work with the relevant officers to identify and include them.

 

Regarding Brynhyfryd Recreation Ground (James's Field), officers confirmed it was included in the report along with all parks and can't be locked. Officers suggested either removing it from the consultation or including its local name, James's Field, in the report and consultation.

 

In relation to winter and summer months, officers and the public safety community partnerships feeling was that they had already tested this during the unofficial trial period over the summer because of sickness and staff resources although this wasn’t publicised formally that the parks were closed over the last 4-month period.

 

Officers acknowledged the need for a more formal trial period to gather evidence-based data. Extending the trial through the summer could provide valuable insights. The goal of the consultation is to gather sufficient feedback over six – eight weeks to make informed recommendations.

 

Members felt that while it hasn’t been formally publicised residents of Britton Ferry know that the gates have been open.

The chair asked what staff and resources would be used to lock Victoria Gardens.

 

Officers explained that Victoria Gardens is manned. There are staff during working day but unlike other parks in the evening and during the morning there are staff there as well because of the town centre activities the parks proximity to that. Staff utilise it as a base and that's the same over the weekend.

 

The chair clarified if that was the cleansing staff for the town centre. Officers confirmed that.

The chair stated that starting the consultation in two weeks and running it for eight weeks would cover mid-May to mid-July, capturing a significant part of the summer. This timing could provide valuable insights into park usage and behaviour during the peak season, which might be more advantageous than a shorter, six-week consultation.

 

Officers felt that the consultation will start in eight weeks’ time which would give further time. Officers will work with corporate communications department before they put the consultation out.

Members reported that staff at Tawe Terrace struggle to close the park due to abuse and antisocial behaviour. They mentioned that organisations using parks, like the bowls club in Saint George's Park, create barriers, sometimes staying until 11pm. Members inquired if staff comments are considered in consultations and if there are measures to better protect staff during park closures.

Officers explained that all staff impacted during the trial period have been consulted and will be included in the upcoming consultation, along with the stakeholder group. Staff feedback indicated that locking the gates was a difficult and unproductive task. The trial period, including an unofficial trial last summer, showed that locking the gates did not provide significant benefits, except for Victoria Gardens. The initiative aims to address the difficulties faced by staff and evaluate the actual benefits of locking the gates.

 

Members felt that securing the entire park is crucial. If the rest of the park isn't secure, locking the gates alone won't prevent determined individuals from getting in and causing damage.

Members asked if the police including local ward PCSOs, will be consulted further. They also suggested adding a question about park usage to gather data on how residents use the parks, such as dog walking, cutting through to school, etc. This would help build a bigger picture of park usage at different times.

 

Officers confirmed they will work with the communications team to add a question on park usage to the consultation. Officers regularly consult with the police and will inform the Community Safety Partnership group about the consultation to gather feedback. So far, feedback has mainly concerned Victoria Gardens, with no comments on other parks.

 

The chair suggested expanding questions about nighttime park usage and safety which could help identify measures to make people feel safer, such as improved lighting. He felt this tied into the risk assessment and the final decision on liabilities and necessary measures for leaving parks unlocked at night.

The chair suggested that if parks are kept open at night, the council should consider installing lighting where necessary, especially in parks used as shortcuts. This would enhance safety for residents using these parks to get to school or walk their dogs. The chair also mentioned that assessing the feasibility and costs of such measures would send a positive message to residents about the council's commitment to making parks safe and accessible in the evenings.

 

Officers agreed with the chair about considering budget impacts and suggested that instead of locking gates, the council should address specific issues as they arise with individual parks. These could relate to safety or accessibility. They plan to consult with the public and gather feedback, then compile a detailed report with recommendations for future actions.

 

The chair suggested proactively considering lighting and other measures for parks rather than waiting for feedback and complaints leaving parks open. While the main downside is cost and biodiversity concerns, the benefits to residents are clear. Addressing these issues now could give a head start if there's funding available, in making parks safer and more accessible, especially those used as thoroughfares.

 

Officers advised that they will be bringing a further report in autumn/winter for a decision on whether the council take this forward as a permanent measure to not lock the parks overnight.

Councillor Hurley cabinet member for Climate Change and Economic Growth explained to members that the biodiversity issues maybe down to backtracking and the impact on the bat flight paths.

 

The chair thanked the cabinet member and noted that there's products and solutions, to mitigate that the council wishes to go down that route.

 

Following scrutiny, the recommendation was supported to Cabinet.