Carlisle & Eden Crime and Reduction Partnership (CDRP) have over the year worked with local residents to install barriers to target the anti-social use of motorcycles in Keenan Park.
This hard work has started to pay dividends for the local residents.
Between February and December 2006 there were 134 calls for service made to the police relating to anti-social motorcycle use in and around the park, thus far up to August 2007 there have been 12 calls for service to the police. A significant reduction brought about by proactive policing in the form of Operation Minx and the installation of preventative barriers.
The barriers were purchased jointly by the CDRP who contributed £1000, and the three local ward councillors, Cllr Boaden, Cllr Glendinning and Cllr Scarborough who contributed their annual ward project fund totalling £3,500 to the initiative.
Illegal motorcyclists used the area as a racetrack causing unacceptable distress to residents and indeed posed an extreme danger to those on foot who used the park. This made local people feel very uneasy and prevented a great many people using the park the something had to be done.
By physically preventing access to motorcycles at a number of key points to the park, the aim was to have a significant impact on anti-social behaviour in the area. Anti-motorcycle barriers were installed at the Rosevale entrance and on the Durranhill side of the park under the rail bridge. This type of project reflects the CDRP's current priorities, which include contributing to a high quality of life for all, and creating an environment where people can feel secure and live without the threat or fear of crime. More work will continue to be done by the CDRP.
Mary Robinson Chair of Carlisle & Eden CDRP said
the Keenan Park initiative demonstrates that a joint approach to tackling local issues is part of the CDRP's determination to work with residents. Actively supporting improvements in the quality of life for people living in Carlisle and Eden by working together, making a safer place for all to live, work and visit.
Cllr Judy Prest portfolio holder for Health and Wellbeing said:
once more the CDRP has worked with the local community to address a significant local issue. By placing motorcycle access restrictors at key locations in Keenan Park the partnership has significantly reduced the anti-social use of motorcycles in the area and additionally supported the drive to make Carlisle a Cleaner, Greener and Safer place for all residents to live and work in.
Cllr Boaden said:
I am delighted that our community money has been put to such good use. This joint initiative between the Ward Councillors and the CDRP has helped in addressing local people's concerns and reducing the fear of crime. The installation of the barriers at key access points to the park has begun to make the park safer for all users. If sustained this work will hopefully ensure that all sections of the local community can benefit from the park and its facilities.
PC Martyn Park of Carlisle City South Local Policing Team:
the anti-social and illegal use of motorcycles in and around Keenan Park has caused the local community distress and is dangerous for legitimate Park users as well as the riders themselves. As part of the ongoing Respect campaign the Local Policing Team have been targeting those responsible as well as working with partner agencies to install these measures to make it harder for people to ride onto the Park with motorcycles. Initial figures show that this approach is being effective but we will continue to target those who don't get the message. I would urge anyone affected by this form of anti-social behaviour to contact Police on 0845 33 00 247.