A CCTV camera has been installed at a much-loved park to help give extra peace of mind to residents and visitors.
Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumbria Police are working together to prevent anti-social behaviour at Barrow Park, which is owned by the council.
As well as joint patrols by police officers and council colleagues in the daytime, plus extra police patrols at night, a CCTV camera has now been set up following instances of ASB and criminal damage such as setting light to park furniture in the 45-acre green space.
The camera has been installed as part of Operation Enhance, Cumbria Police’s county-wide crackdown on anti-social behaviour, which is funded by the Cumbria Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.
Grade II-listed Barrow Park has been loved by generations of Barrovians and features a bandstand, carefully tended lawns and flower beds, pavilion, glasshouse and boating lake. It is also home to Barrow’s Saturday morning parkrun.
Councillor Judith Derbyshire, Westmorland and Furness Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety, said: “Barrow Park is a much-loved part of the town’s heritage where residents and visitors have been enjoying fresh air and nature in beautiful surroundings for well over a century.
“We are working closely with Cumbria Police to make sure that the actions of a very small number of people don’t stop everyone else from feeling safe and welcome at the park.
“This new CCTV will enhance our efforts as it is used to monitor ongoing reports of ASB and criminal damage.
“We urge anyone who sees such behaviour to report it to Cumbria Police. As the evenings draw in, we would also encourage everyone to use the park in a safe and respectful way.”
Sergeant Paul Holmes of Barrow Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We have been working closely with colleagues at Westmorland and Furness Council and are pleased to make these improvements in the area.
“As well as the introduction of this new CCTV camera, we have been conducting joint patrols with council staff at the park and have been carrying out additional police patrols at night to address some of the concerns reported.
“Regular dedicated hotspot policing patrols will continue in the area as part of Operation Enhance to reduce calls for anti-social behaviour and disorder.
“I hope residents, businesses and visitors in the area feel reassured that we, alongside our partner agencies, are taking a proactive approach to improve the area and reduce crime.”
David Allen, Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, said: “Operation Enhance is all about making the public feel safer in their own communities.
“The increased visibility and patrols are making a huge difference to the Barrow hotspots – anti-social behaviour has dropped by 57.3% in the last twelve months.
“CCTV will be a fantastic addition as those looking to commit a crime will be deterred from doing so, knowing that they are being monitored.
“I hope residents are seeing a difference already and that they continue to do so over the coming months. If not, please contact me at commissioner@cumbriapcc.gov.uk or on 01768 217734.”
To report anti-social behaviour to Cumbria Police, go to their website or call 101. In an emergency, always call 999.