Summer spotlight on Anti-Social Behaviour - 17-05-2008

Action to tackle anti social behaviour in parks and other open spaces is to be stepped up due to the lighter, warm evenings and after a recent increase in attacks on Belfast City Council parks staff.

The council, PSNI and other agencies involved in Parks and Leisure Safer Neighbourhood ASB Pilot will be mounting a number of joint operations in the weeks ahead to enforce park Bye-laws and tackle issues such as underage drinking, anti-social behaviour, vandalism and trespassing.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Jim Rodgers, said "As the lighter nights and warmer evenings approach we need to ensure that everyone gets a chance to enjoy our open spaces.

"We want to see young people and adults using our parks and other open spaces, but in a responsible fashion, in a way that is non-threatening to others and which allow everyone to feel respected, users and staff.

"I am appealing to parents in particular to ensure they know where their children are and what they are doing at all times. There have been cases reported where parents are dropping young people with carry outs at park entrances. This is not responsible behaviour.

"We will also be following up all reports of anti-social behaviour and taking whatever action is necessary to deal with it, including initiating prosecutions."

Councillor Rodgers welcomed the work being done by the PSNI and other agencies such as the NI Fire and Rescue Service in helping to tackle recent incidents.

"People trying to tackle a very difficult situation have come under verbal and physical attack on occasion and we want to make it clear that this cannot continue. It is unacceptable and when evidence is available to target the perpetrators we will do so.

"The message is enjoy our open spaces, don't abuse them or those who are helping to make them attractive and safe."

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