PEOPLE living in the Butt Parks, Kirton Drive and Saxon Close areas of Crediton are invited to give their opinion on a proposed new entrance to the children’s play area situated at the end of Kirton Drive.

Issues of antisocial behaviour at the play area are being addressed by a wide range of agencies including Mid Devon District Council, Crediton Town Council and the Police, who are part of the Community Safety Local Action Group. Mid Devon District Council, who is responsible for the play area, has already increased boarding to retaining walls in order to prevent stones being thrown and causing damage to property.

Steve Densham, Development Services Manager at the District Council says “The play area has been built for use by the whole community and not for the exclusion of the new development. There is an obvious desire from children and adults in the Butt Parks area to use the play equipment, or have a route through into Kirton Drive. We continually have to repair damage to the boundary fencing to prevent use of a very dangerous entry into the play area from the Butt Parks side. We want to address this issue and allow safe access to children and families who wish to make use of these facilities and hopefully address the antisocial behaviour too. We are inviting residents to speak to us about our proposals and to give their opinions”.

A public consultation ‘drop-in’ will be held on the evening on Wednesday 1 February 2012, between 5pm and 8.30 pm. This will be held at Crediton Fire Station in the Community Room (no parking available at the station) and residents will be able to discuss the proposed access route, speak to staff and give their views.

Bob Wright, Chair of the Local Action Group (LAG) said “We hope that as many residents as possible will come to the evening and give their opinions. By working together we are addressing the issues of antisocial behaviour that have been reported in this area and it is hoped that if the proposals are agreed, more residents will use the play area and the increased movement between Butt Parks and Kirton Drive should stop any further issues.”

Residents who wish to discuss this matter but can’t make the consultation event can call Steve Densham directly on 01884 234921 or Julia Ryder, Community Safety Officer on 01884 234997.