Local residents agree Park Watch scheme for Maitland Park

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 15th Sep 2009

Cllr. Ed Bridges wants residents to know about the new ‘Park Watch’ scheme which will see Maitland Park locked at night.

Local residents in the area around Maitland Park in Gabalfa have agreed to proposals which could see the park locked at night times.

South Wales Police and Cardiff Council consulted residents recently over the possibility of introducing a 'Park Watch' scheme to address problems with anti-social behaviour.

At a recent meeting attended by local residents, a majority voted in favour of the proposal. This will lead to the park being locked between dusk and dawn on a trial basis to see if it alleviates problems in the park.

Local councillor, Cathy Pearcy, said: "There are different views about locking the park at nights. But now that a majority of residents have backed the scheme, the onus is on all of us to try and make it work so we can address the anti-social behaviour which has dogged the park over recent years."

Cllr. Ed Bridges added: "Local residents will be put in charge of locking and unlocking the park on a voluntary basis. We can then review the arrangements after the trial period has lapsed to consider whether or not the scheme should be continued in the long-term. In the meantime, I will continue to lobby the Council to look at other ways that the park can be improved through investing in facilities."

For more details about the scheme, contact Cllr. Ed Bridges.