Following representations by Bridgwater Town Council and members of the general public backed up by ward councillors, the Avon & Somerset Police alongside Sedgemoor District Council have issued a statement saying they regard combating anti-social behaviour in the Town’s prestige ‘Blake Gardens’ as a priority and outlining measures to reassure the public.
The statement reads-Blake Gardens continues to be a priority for Avon and Somerset Police and Sedgemoor District Council. To help combat anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the gardens we are launching a fortnightly beat surgery in the library for locals to raise their concerns starting on Wednesday 27th May between and 10:00am and 12noon.
The surgery will then be held every other Wednesday in a room just off the main Library foyer. The surgeries are part of a multi-agency team approach to combat problems in the gardens.
Zero-tolerance approach
Officers from the Bridgwater beat have been working closely with Sedgemoor District Council staff including officers from Community Safety, CCTV, Environmental Health, Licensing and Clean Surrounds as well as staff from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue and Bridgwater Library to monitor anti-social behaviour in Blake gardens over the last 12 months. It has been agreed that all anti-social behaviour will be met with zero tolerance.
As well as the new beat surgery this zero tolerance approach includes:
o Officers continuing with high visibility patrols on a daily basis.
o A clamp down on alcohol consumption, anti-social behaviour, uncontrolled animals, legal highs, litter and noise.
o Sedgemoor District Council Dog Wardens will continue to regularly patrol the area to ensure that dogs aren’t running loose or that owners are not picking up after dog fouling. Fixed Penalty Notices will be issued where appropriate.
o Regular ASB offenders will be approached and offered opportunities to meet with Job Centre Plus and give individuals opportunities to be work ready.
o Sedgemoor District Council has put up ASB and CCTV signs in the gardens. CCTV of the gardens will continue to be closely monitored as a priority area with information shared with the Police.
o Sedgemoor District Council has installed new needle bins with clearer signage in the public toilets.
o Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue have agreed to do regular routine checks at the park to assess potential fire hazards
o To broaden the use of the park and encourage physical activity Sedgemoor District Council is offering free hula hooping sessions in Blake Gardens on 1st June, 20th July and 13th August between 12.30 and 1pm.
o Sedgemoor District Council will install a post box inside the library for members of the public to raise their concerns. This will be installed by the date of the first beat surgery.
Alcohol related arrests
Avon and Somerset Police recently arrested a male in his late 50s for drinking alcohol in the park. The male refused to hand over his alcohol to our officer which ended in an arrest. The man was later charged and bailed to the magistrate’s court.
Sergeant Elaine Linham said: “This multi-agency approach means that we have been able identify some positive steps to make the park a more enjoyable space for our community. It makes sense to adopt a coordinated approach with the many stakeholders involved to ensure Blake Gardens feels safe and welcoming for all.”
A spokesperson for Sedgemoor District Council said: ‘Blake Gardens is a top priority for Sedgemoor’s Community Safety and CCTV teams. It is important that the local community and visitors are able to use the park without feeling intimidated. Concerns are often expressed through informal channels, such as on social media or to near-by businesses, we strongly encourage such reports are made to us or Avon and Somerset Police directly. To report anti-social behaviour to Sedgemoor District Council please visit the new beat surgery, leave a comment in the Blake Gardens post box inside the Library or call us 24/7 on 0800 298 2009.”
You can report a non-emergency crime online here or in an emergency please call 999.