Lettie Spencer Playing Field Update - 28th May 2024
The Council recently heard from a resident who presented a compelling first-hand account of their experiences of living in close proximity to the Lettie Spencer Playing Field and the severe impact it has on their quality of life and the enjoyment of their property.
The resident spoke of the daily barrage of antisocial behaviour that they must endure from individuals in the playing field - constant swearing, racist, homophobic language and language of a sexual nature.
As the owner of this important community facility, it is the Parish Council’s responsibility to respond to this information and to take the appropriate action. This is an essential element of our duty of care, not only to people that use the playing field, but those that live close to it.
Members of the Council listened at great length to the details of antisocial behaviour within the playing field and what is thought to trigger them, as well as potential solutions to stop them.
The Council has been exploring for many months the installation of CCTV within the playing field in order to deter any criminal activity and antisocial behaviour. The Council will continue to progress this project and hopes to bring it to fruition in the near future. We are aware that this has been demanded by residents for a number of years. We know that a CCTV system fully compliant with ICO (Information Commissioners Office) requirements could make a positive and substantial difference.
We have had feedback that the football goals having nets are potentially attracting unwanted elements into the playing field. We have learned that individuals are travelling in some cases quite a distance to Willaston and to our playing field simply because, the goals have nets. (As these are the only netted goals available in the area). This would not be an issue if all were visiting for the purpose of playing football and enjoying the playing field, It is clear that many are also bringing inappropriate and antisocial behaviour.
Another resident recently witnessed individuals trying to damage the new goal nets so challenged this behaviour, only to have further unacceptable behaviour directed towards them.
As a result, the Council has decided to remove the goal nets for a period of time.
We are also very aware that the pavilion that is located in the playing field is a hub for inappropriate behaviour and a location of illegal drinking and drug use, which causes distress to properties close by.
The pavilion, which provides shelter and seating, was installed in the playing field in 1999 with good intentions but the Council will now review if it is appropriate for today’s needs and usage, including considering whether the presence of the shelter is increasing antisocial behaviour.
The result of this review could be the removal of seating, the reconfiguration of the shelter or its total removal.
Closing times for the field are set to maximise enjoyment of the space by residents. But the extended closing times to 9pm in the summer months also lengthens the duration of issues and their impact. The Council must reserve the right to close the playing field early when required in order to curtail any issues and to bring some reprieve to the neighbouring properties.
We have to strike the balance between making our playing field the best possible space with great facilities for residents to enjoy, whilst also deterring those who don’t use it appropriately.
The Council understands that it is inevitable that respectful users will be impacted by any actions taken to reduce this antisocial behaviour but we hope that there will be an understanding that we are trying to stamp out any issues for the long-term benefit of the playing field’s respectful users.
If the Council does not take action now then the issues will remain and more people will to be impacted and residents may be deterred from enjoying the playing field.
There is nothing better than to see our playing field being used appropriately, the sound of children at play is all part of the enjoyment of any open space.
The Council will though take the necessary steps to ensure that our playing field is the best possible space for all residents but not a welcome space for those who don’t respect other people.
On a positive note, the Council are looking forward to welcoming residents to the playing field on 6th July for the annual Willaston Garden Party. It is events like this when the playing field really excels as a fantastic community space where everyone can enjoy the event and everything on offer.
We invite all residents, especially those who do not usually use the playing field, to join us at the Garden Party on Saturday 6th July 12 noon to 7pm.