A 16-year campaign to make a North Liverpool recreation ground safer for its users has finally come good.
After more than a decade and a half of work, Rice Lane Residents Group in Walton has secured the installation of CCTV cameras at the area’s popular green space following years of arson attacks and anti-social behaviour. The CCTV installation, which will go live from next month, is the latest effort by the group to improve the recreation ground for residents, following the placing of fences and gates to prevent cars and motorbikes accessing the area.
The confirmation of the new cameras came via Warbreck councillor Ann O’Byrne’s blog. The former deputy mayor of Liverpool wrote: “Rice Lane Rec is used by hundreds of people every week, whether they’re walking through to catch the first or last train from Rice Lane Station, playing football, keeping fit, attending one of our detached youth work sessions, or walking their dog; it’s a place people should feel happy, safe, and welcome in.”
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Cllr O’Byrne said while positive progress had been made, “there have been setbacks too.” In 2018, residents were left furious after arsonists targeted the park’s play area and damaged it beyond repair.
The Warbreck councillor added: “Over the years there has been criminal damage to play equipment as well as new trees and benches destroyed. But we always keep going and I’m delighted that after working with the council, our new play equipment will be going into the park next month and the fire-damaged equipment will be removed.
"Making The Rec safer has always been the priority. We began by increasing City Watch patrols through the park at weekends, and at key times throughout the year.
"And now, after sixteen years, CCTV will be installed in August and fully operational by September. Sometimes you can work and achieve a priority in a few weeks, months, or a year and sometimes you must pursue a priority for your community with relentless determination and even when you think it’s never going to happen or just want to give up and give in if you keep pushing you can get there and deliver for the people you represent.”
The long awaited update was welcomed by a resident on Facebook who said: “This is really good news and might help to stop the anti-social behaviour and vandalism of the children's park. When I was growing up in the area the park had a park keeper and then park patrols in a green van, something that it has not had for a long time.”
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