CONCERNED neighbours of a public park have rallied together in a bid to dissuade the council from cutting back on park security.
A petition was submitted by neighbours of The Croft park, in Glover Road, Pinner, at last Thursday’s cabinet meeting in opposition to the plans to save £80,000 each year by reducing expenditure in park maintenance which would leave 16 parks across Harrow unlocked overnight.
The plan, which was included as a part of February’s budget, will be implemented in September.
Conservative councillor for the Pinner South ward Kamaljit Chana handed in the petition on behalf of his constituents, which had 305 signatures.
He told the Observer after the meeting: “It is absolutely ludicrous. The gates in this park were installed around 10 years ago specifically because of reports of anti-social behaviour, drug-taking and even an incident of arson in the park. Our hope is that the council will see sense and reverse this decision.”
Harrow Council portfolio holder for environment and community safety, councillor Asad Omar said: “These plans will save the council around £80,000 a year. Cabinet has agreed to make this saving and we are now discussing with park users, ward councillors and other residents how we will implement it. We would not simply make a change like this if we thought it would put the safety of our residents at risk.”
