Councillors from the Medway Labour and Co-operative Group have expressed concern about the increasing levels of crime and anti-social behaviour that is affecting our local greenspaces.

Cllr Simon Curry, Medway Labour and Co-operative Group Spokesperson for Regeneration, Culture and the Environment said:

“We’ve been on record as praising the amazing work of local volunteers that has contributed massively to Medway being able to have 8 parks with Green Flag Awards.

“As a Councillor I’ve heard a lot about how the recent rise in anti-social behaviour in parks, which coincides with a 10% rise of crime generally in our area, could place our Green Flag Awards under threat.

“Our greenspaces are a precious resource that need to be cared for. We learned this throughout the COVID lockdown and their contribution to our physical and mental health is huge. Cuts in PCSOs and policing generally will have a serious impact on them.”

Cllr Pat Cooper, Medway Labour and Co-operative Group Member for Gillingham North added:

“Due to the problem of anti-social behaviour at Hillyfields, I am pleased to announce that we’ve secured funding for a new specific graffiti wall that we hope will contribute to allowing a place for artistic expression while reducing behaviour that causes problems at our local parks. More details about this will be announced shortly.”

Notes

Our initial response to the rise in crime statistics – https://www.medwaylabour.org.uk/a-rise-of-crime-in-medway/