Vandalism, bullying and other anti-social behaviour by some local area youngsters has forced the closure of a newly opened play park at the heart of Kingsway, Gloucestershire’s leading homes jobs and leisure destination on the A38, just south of Gloucester.
The decision has been taken ‘with great reluctance’ by Quedgeley Urban Village Ltd the development consortium operating company. Now Chairman Andrew Hill will seek a meeting with the Police about the problems in the play park.
The park, which faces Lyneham Drive, is part of the historic Manor Farm, a regenerated open space area at the heart of Kingsway. It is a well-equipped and presented amenity, which includes appropriate play equipment that has been much enjoyed by the development’s younger children.
Sadly, reports QUVL, some young people - in certain cases from outside Kingsway - have caused havoc and considerable upset in the play park.
There has been graffiti sprayed on the play equipment, which has also had some fixing bolts dangerously loosened. In addition, bottles have been smashed around the play area. QUVL confirms that action simply had to be taken for Health and Safety reasons, therefore the park was closed, fenced and locked from 4th April until further notice.
Residents living close to the play park have reported all kinds of events including cases of bullying and bad language involving older youngsters.
On one particular night, say residents, a large, rowdy group gathered in the park, swearing loudly. The sound of bottles being smashed could be heard.
One morning it was discovered that the play park was covered in offensive graffiti and, added residents, there have been incidents of people being threatened with bottles and pelted with glass.
Added Andrew Hill, “We at QUVL are most upset at what has happened and feel we need to meet the Police and discuss how they can assist us in dealing with this situation. We invest in giving the new residents of Kingsway the right kind of leisure amenities to enjoy, and hooligans turn up and wreck everything. Closing the park is a measure that we have reluctantly taken in the knowledge that it will be a disappointment to the residents and children who have genuinely enjoyed it as was intended. I hope the Police will meet with us to discuss what can be done.”