Fulham Parks Amongst Safest in London

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Silver awards for Bishops and South Parks

Bishops Park and South Park have been named two of the safest open spaces in London.

They are amongst 31 parks in the capital chosen to receive a Safer Park Award. Both parks received a silver award in the scheme, which is run by Mayor Boris Johnson.

The scheme says safer parks are those that are well used by everyone in the community and bring lasting benefits; including a reduced fear and incidence of anti-social behaviour and crime.

The judges said of the Fulham parks:

Bishops Park (Hammersmith and Fulham)

This park has historically had low levels of crime. However in 2009, there was a significant increase. Anti-crime measures were incorporated into the park's 2010 refurbishment to address this.

South Park (Hammersmith and Fulham)

While crime has been historically low in this park, it increased in 2007. The Parks Constabulary took action to address concern amongst park users and engage the public in tackling this issue.

Mayor Boris Johnson said: " London boasts some of the most sublime green spaces in the country, and everyone deserves to enjoy their local parks without fear of crime. The scheme recognises the tireless work many unsung local heroes put into making green spaces more pleasant for everyone.

" I congratulate all 31 parks for their outstanding efforts. I hope this inspires others to get involved to deliver real change to run-down areas. Each one has found its own way to turnaround the often low level crime and antisocial behaviour that scares people away."

Hammersmith & Fulham has its own council-funded parks constabulary working to keep the borough’s parks and open spaces safe. The officers provide a friendly face for parks visitors and also deal with crimes including vandalism and drug taking and issues regarding dangerous dogs.

The council's parks constabulary team consists of one Inspector, 15 Constables and three Sergeants providing a uniformed patrol service for the borough's 54 parks, open spaces and cemeteries. The constabulary operates 365 days a year. Patrolling starts at 8am daily and finishes at midnight during the summer months and at 10pm during the winter months.

To contact the parks constabulary call 020 8753 5999 or email parksconstabulary@lbhf.gov.uk.

 

 

 

March 25, 2011