A PRIVATELY employed security firm turned the tables on vandalism this summer, leaving members of the Anstey Park Users' Group convinced that a zero-tolerance approach is the best form of deterrent. The message from those attending Monday's meeting of the group in Anstey Park was simple: the security firm hired by Alton Town Council to try and combat antisocial behaviour in 'hot spot' areas around the town had come up trumps. The big question was, could the town council afford to employ them on the same basis next year. If councillors needed confirmation that they were on the right track, the park users' response was unanimous - security patrols must stay. The trend, it seems, is encouraging. While users were still suffering at the hands of vandals and thieves, they were beginning to pull together, by making their own security arrangements while seeking to sustain a united front. Speaking on behalf of Alton police, acting inspector, Steve Collins, said the deployment of an outside security patrol had "definitely worked". And, he advised: "If each organisation does its own bit to make its building secure it will help. What you are looking to do is to deny the opportunity for a break-in - if you leave them (potential intruders) thinking that there have got to be easier places, they will go elsewhere." A/Insp Collins added that the Alton station was about to redeploy its resources - a move which should result in more high-visibility policing in vulnerable areas such as Anstey Park and the Public Gardens, and at times when crime and nuisance were most likely to be committed - during the evening and the early hours of the morning. "We are hoping to rearrange resources so we can be here more often," he said. Other concerns raised during the meeting included safety issues surrounding drivers racing over speed humps and using Anstey Drive as a rat run to try and avoid traffic build-up at the Anstey Road/Anstey Lane junction; and the damage caused by people driving over the grass, particularly in wet conditions. While there was some trepidation over the future installation, expected in January, of a new skatepark, councillors sought to stress the positive. Paddy Mendham told users that the skateboarders at Jubilee Fields had taken control and looked after the facility at the west end of the town. "They are not vandals - they positively discourage vandals from being there," said Mr Mendham, who added: "By having skateboarders the park will be a better place - they won't be quiet about any trouble because they won't want to be lumped in with the trouble makers. They will be 'watchers' acting as eyes and ears for the rest of us, which can only be a positive thing." A major issue for users, particularly with the skateboarders in mind, was the provision of public toilets. At present toilets at the Finnimore Pavilion are open to the public during normal working hours and for special events but not otherwise. According to deputy town clerk Greg Burt, when the pavilion is refurbished the intention is to incorporate vandal-proof stainless steel public toilets with coin operated access. However, existing facilities are not vandal proof and have to be locked when staff leave in the evenings. It was an item flagged for serious discussion by Alton Town Council's recreation committee, alongside the need for more car parking, better security lighting and more public litter bins.
