Calls to enjoy popular Chesterfield beauty spot 'responsibly' after pictures show park strewn with litter

The Friends of Somersall Park say the beauty spot has also seen an increase in noise and anti-social behaviour since the Covid-19 lockdown was lifted – but have thanked the community for helping to tidy up the area.

Chairman of the group, Rebecca Robinson, said the town was ‘lucky to have’ Somersall Park.

“It is a beautiful park and we’d like to see everyone continue to enjoy it responsibly,” she said.

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“We have seen an increase in litter since lockdown restrictions were relaxed and there have also been issues with noise for residents living in homes that back onto the park.

“It has primarily been younger people having fun but it is not all young people by any means.

“I also have sympathy with them and understand the park is still one of the safest places for them to be.

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“I'd just like to remind all park users that they should be taking their litter home with them.”

Rebecca says she is also proud of the community spirit shown by people of all ages who have volunteered to tidy up the park in recent weeks.

Teachers at nearby Brookfield Community School have also urged their students to be ‘part of the solution’ to keeping Somersall Park tidy and free of litter.

“It has come to our attention that our wonderful community park has been mistreated and we want to work together to make a positive change,” the school tweeted.

“If you are using the park, please take your litter away with you.

“We are so proud of our young people and we know that you can be part of the solution if we work together. Let’s keep our fantastic local resources tidy for everyone to use.”

The school says that anyone buying items from the Londis shop, on Chatsworth Road, will be given a free bin liner to take litter home in.

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