Councillor calls for CCTV cameras after fire at anti-social behaviour ridden Chesterfield park
“It is frustrating to see a valued community asset damaged in this way.”
A local councillor is calling for CCTV cameras to be installed at a Chesterfield park following a fire.
The play area at Ringwood Park in Hollingwood has been damaged in a blaze, which broke out shortly before 8pm on Monday, November 2.
Now Staveley Town Cllr Paul Mann has called for cameras to be put in place at the anti-social behaviour ridden park to prevent similar incidents from happening.
He said: “It’s common knowledge that Ringwood Park is known for anti-social behaviour and alleged drug deals.
“Regarding the play area, I’ve had a number of cases where I had to report incidents after residents contacted me. It’s a long standing issue, it’s costing the borough quite a bit of money to keep repairing it.
“When we combine all it all together the antisocial behaviour, distruction of the council property and the alleged drug dealing, which has gone for years, it’s difficult to believe we have never had a CCTV camera in there. There’s nothing.
“I feel that with all the damage to this play area and the alleged drug dealing activity it is now time for CCTV in the park as surly now it is cheaper than to keep maintaining this park.”
Cllr Mann has contacted Chesterfield Borough Council and Derbyshire police to call for action following the fire.
He said he has not heard back from Derbyshire police yet, but has received the following response from the council: “Thank you for bringing this to our attention.
“We share your disappointment regarding the damage caused at Ringwood Park Play Area, particularly given the significant investment and hard work that has gone into installing and maintaining the facility for the benefit of local children and families.
“Please be assured that the incident is being investigated, and we are reviewing the information that has been provided.
“Acts of vandalism and anti-social behaviour have a negative impact on facilities intended for the whole community and it is frustrating to see a valued community asset damaged in this way.
“We appreciate you taking the time to report your concerns and your comments will be communicated to the appropriate parties. Please be assured we will continue to consider appropriate measures to help protect the site from further incidents.”
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS) were called to reports of a fire at Ringwood Park, Hollingwood at 7.52 pm on November 2.
Fire crews from Staveley attended the incident and extinguished the blaze, which has caused a significant amount of damage to the popular play area.
A local resident Mark Strong, who lives just across the road from the park, has captured extent of the damage on video.
He said: “I live just across the road from Ringwood Park and I’ve seen the fire engine stopping at the side of the park.
“I went out and saw the fire through the trees.
“This morning I went to take a look at what had happened.
“The result was devastating as you can see in the photograph.”
A DFRS spokesperson said: “At 19:52 hours on Monday 2 November, a fire crew from Staveley were called to a children's play area.
“On arrival, firefighters found the climbing frame on fire.
“They extinguished the fire and damped down the area.
“No injuries have been reported.
“The crew left the scene at 20:26 hours.”
The DFRS was unable to confirm what was the cause of the fire at this stage.
Chesterfield Borough Council and Derbyshire police have been approached for a comment.