South and East Belfast Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Parker looks forward to Woodlands commitments being followed up with actions

Published: 17 April, 2009

Balmoral Sinn Féin representative Vincent Parker has said that he is pleased at the outcome of last week's meeting to discuss how to resolve the ongoing issue of anti-social activity at Woodlands Park on Finaghy Road North, adding that he looks forward to the commitments given at the meeting being followed up with actions.


Mr Parker said,

"Last week's meeting was well attended by a number of residents, myself and Party colleague Alex Maskey, representatives of Belfast City Council, the GAA, and the PSNI.


"The problems which have been associated with an anti-social element hanging around Woodlands Playing Fields have been well documented. This meeting was about pulling all of those who have a responsibility to deal with this issue together to tackle this problem in conjunction with local residents.


"In that regard I believe that this meeting was successful. As well as discussing how best to tackle anti-social behaviour in this area, the security and responsibility for the security of the Park were discussed.


"There was wide recognition that Woodlands is a public facility which should be an asset to the community and not a nuisance. All of the groups present at the meeting recommitted themselves to doing all that they can for the area".


He concluded,

"While I am pleased with the outcome of this meeting it is essential that all of those who gave commitments to work together to tackle this issue follow up their commitments with actions. For our part we will continue to work with local residents to try and tackle the issue of anti-social behaviour in this area".

CRÍOCH


Note to editors:

Included among the commitments given at the meeting were:

  • GAA will consult with clubs and the Antrim County Board about providing stewards in high visibility jackets at gates on nights that they use the park.

  • Belfast City Council will look at providing support for the GAA stewards from the community safety wardens, and will look at using the wardens over the summer on the problem nights.

  • PSNI will increase patrols in the early evening and nights that problems are anticipated, and around the nights that the park is used most.

  • Belfast City Council will lock the pedestrian gate at 8.30pm every night. This has been the biggest problem for residents. A sign is to be placed outside the park with the new closing time. It had previously be accessible 24 hours a day. The GAA will lock the main gates after use.

  • Belfast City Council will complete a Designing Out Crime survey on the interior and entrance of Woodlands to see if any physical changes can be made e.g. the turning circle and the area just inside the gates seem to be where the majority of the drinkers stand. This can be changed to make it less appealing.

  • Belfast City Council will consider literature to advise of the new closing time and advise on the penalties for trespassing after closing time.

  • Belfast City Council's anti-social behaviour unit will visit local schools in South and West Belfast and discuss Woodlands, and advise to the new arrangements and penalties.

  • PSNI to improve response when called by residents.