COUNCIL is once again looking to increase security at the Tamworth Regional Playground on Kable Avenue, citing ongoing “anti-social behaviour” on the grounds.
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Support will be sought at the next meeting of Tamworth Regional Council on Tuesday for $65,000 to be invested into boosting the facility’s security.
A report by acting manager of horticulture and recreation, Murray Russell, has called on council for a number of added measures.
The report calls for additional and updated CCTV cameras, an audio system to broadcast messages to patrons, visual phone messages linked to the WiFi login and additional security patrols during peak hours.
Deputy mayor and council’s crime prevention committee chair, Russell Webb, said “it was an absolute shame” there was a need for beefed up measures at the park.
“It’s a real pity, we have this great community asset and there’s a small minority of people that just can’t help themselves,” Cr Webb said.
“But, it’s a fact of life and we have to manage it the best we can.”
The playground currently has six CCTV cameras installed, which Cr Webb said have already assisted police in making some arrests.
Cr Webb said the additional measures should not be a deterrent to law-abiding patrons.
“The measures will be unobtrusive and the people currently having a great time have no reason to fear,” he said.
“It's there for their protection.”
Cr Webb also said fencing for the river side of the facility should be considered at some point in the future.
Oxley Acting Superintendent Jeff Budd said Tamworth police supported the move.
"There has been some unfortunate malicious damage and anti-social issues in the past,” Acting Superintendent Budd said.
"We've prosecuted numerous people for malicious damage in the playground and issued criminal infringement notices for drinking in alcohol free zones down there.”
Acting Superintendent Budd said boosted efforts by council and increased police patrols had helped reduce crime at the facility.
"But the intention of the upgrade of security is to protect the investment and the asset, and these measures will assist police with increased CCTV to identity and prosecute offenders, which we fully support,” he said.