Joining forces for a safer Balderton

An action plan has been drawn up to combat anti-social behaviour in Balderton following concerns from residents.

The initiative forms part of  Newark and Sherwood District Council’s  Cleaner, Safer, Greener campaign which aims  to make Newark and Sherwood a Cleaner, Safer, Greener place to live, work and visit.

The Balderton Safer Partnership has been set up which involves the district council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Balderton Parish Council, Nottinghamshire Police and retailer Lidl.

As part of its first  set of actions, the  partnership is urging residents  to join in a ‘Report it’ campaign where they are being asked to keep a diary of incidents  to redress issues of noise nuisance, thefts, alleged drug use, dangerous motoring and gangs congregating in Coronation Park, Balderton Lakes and the Lakeside Shopping Centre.

Other measures in the action plan include:

• Increased foot patrols by the district council’s  Anti-social Behaviour Team and police

• Site visits with an uncompromising approach to nuisance behaviour, including warnings to perpetrators

• Banning and ‘trespass’ letters and the issue of Community Protection Notices for repeat offenders which could see those responsible not being able to use Lidl or the Park facilities on Coronation Street .

• Comprehensive information sharing to help identify repeat offenders

• A ‘zero tolerance’ reporting campaign involving residents  where they will be given diary sheets to report ASB and identify nuisance

• The consideration of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme

• Lidl to keep a log of anti-social behaviour/nuisance in and out of the store

• Monitoring district council and Lidl CCTV for nuisance and ASB.

District councillors  Johno Lee and David Payne who both represent the Balderton North ward which includes Coronation Park and Lakeside Shopping Centre’  have welcomed the new Partnership as a move forward for the area that has experienced anti-social behaviour during the past nine months.

Councillor Lee said: “I am looking forward to working with everybody on the Report It campaign. I hope it will bring immediate improvements to the community.”

Keith Girling, district council deputy leader who is county councillor for Newark West which includes part of Balderton, said: “Residents and shop users are fed up with the noise, nuisance and general rowdiness caused by these few individuals.  This has continued onto the park on Coronation Street.  As part of the Cleaner, Safer, Greener campaign we will be working  in partnership with the community, agencies and local business to identify those responsible and take an uncompromising approach to our enforcement.

“It would be in their best interests to keep away from that area if they intend to cause trouble.  The CCTV cameras are now monitoring all areas looking for nuisance behaviour.   If you are using the  park, please respect those that live around the area, keep the noise to a minimum and use the facilities appropriately.”  

Balderton Parish Council chairman Lydia Hurst said: “We very much welcome the Cleaner, Safer, Greener campaign, particularly in dealing with the issues that we have with anti-social behaviour and nuisance in parts of Balderton.

“We have to take charge of the situation and clamp down on these issues and residents have a  vital role to play in assisting the police and district council  deal with incidents and repeat offenders.”

Inspector Louise Clarke said: “ I recognise it is the school holidays and as such children wish to meet with their friends and enjoy each other’s company.  It is important to recognise that not all groups cause disruption or behave poorly and that children are able to enjoy the local area freely.  However, where the behaviour has a negative impact on the well-being of others, through behaving anti-socially or where offences are committed, those individuals will be dealt with proportionately.  It is important that we have the support of parents and that they are aware of their children’s location and behaviour and what impact this may be having on the rest of the community when large groups are formed.”