Gateshead Council has installed new equipment and CCTV at Dunston Park in a bid to improve what the park offers to families. The cameras have been put in place to tackle anti-social behaviour in the area, ensuring that the play area can be enjoyed by families and young children.
Completed work and upcoming improvements
Work to enhance the fenced play area has already been completed, alongside other groundworks and weed clearance. Additional work is now set to take place, which will see the installation of new benches, a picnic table, and further new play equipment, including swings.
The government's Pride in Place Impact Fund is providing the money needed to make these improvements. The council has been given flexibility through this fund, allowing it to decide how best to respond to the needs of the local community, ensuring the funding is used in the most effective way.
Council comments on the new measures
Councillor Garry Thompson, the Cabinet Member for Environment, said: "Residents have highlighted various issues in Dunston Park with anti-social behaviour including damage to our play equipment.
"We want all of our parks and green spaces to be safe and welcoming so that everyone within our local communities can enjoy spending time in them. We hope that the new CCTV installed will help to deter anti-social behaviour and ensure the park is looked after for residents to use."
Parks and play areas across Gateshead
The council maintains 28 parks across Gateshead, of which Dunston Park is one, and local volunteer groups assist with the work that this requires. There are 121 fixed play areas across the council's domain too, giving parents plenty of choice when it comes to taking their children to spend some time outdoors.
Anyone who notices anti-social behaviour taking place within their community can report incidents to Northumbria Police via 101. This can also be done online, either on the force's website or the council website.
