Gosport community group set up to '˜get our park back'

The Friends of Stanley Park has been set up in response to growing concerns about the state of Stanley Park itself '“ with anecdotes from residents who have been intimidated or abused by youngsters, or seen the area vandalised and even set on fire.

But now residents say that enough is enough, and are determined to take action to '˜get our park back'.

Chairman of the group, Kevin Green, believes that although it is only a minority of troublemakers, action still needs to be taken.

He said: '˜It's a small group at the moment, but others will soon follow their actions '“ which are causing quite a lot of problems.

'˜They area setting fire to rubbish bins and park benches, as well as other general troublemaking. We just can't stand for it any longer.

'˜It tends to mostly go on in the summer months and Gosport Borough Council is having to deal with the aftermath every single morning.'

The inaugural meeting of the group has already taken place, with 

Ward councillor for Alverstoke, Cllr Kevin Casey, said: '˜We want these people to understand what the park represents for this community.

'˜If people learn more about what this park is about, the wildlife, the plants and the graveyard that are here, then I think they will care about it a lot more.

'˜When a community group like this comes along it changes the atmosphere of an area '“ so I am hopeful for the future of the park.'