BILLERICAY: Guards to patrol at lake meadows

By darnold

PRIVATE security guards could be brought in to patrol Lake Meadows at night.

Residents say they have been left feeling like prisoners in their own homes by gangs of hooded youths ripping the park to shreds.

By day the popular Billericay park appears to be the picture of tranquillity.

The town's jewel in the crown basks in glorious morning sunshine as families pass through, games of cricket, tennis and golf take place in the bustling atmosphere, and children make use of the various games areas.

It's a stark contrast to the sinister events at night and this week the Gazette can reveal the town council is considering taking drastic action by hiring private security guards to patrol the area.

Residents have welcomed the news, which could go some way to ending their years of misery.

Paul Hubbard, 55, lives right next to the park in Knightbridge Walk. He said: "Groups of youths are always congregating at the back of my garden. They have made our lives absolute hell."

Kevin Beeching, 40, also of Knightbridge Walk, added: "It's about time people actually went in there and threw people out.

"There are kids always hanging around damaging the trees.

"The whole thing seems to get worse over the weekends."

Another resident who didn't want to be named said her house was constantly pelted with debris through the night.

She said: "It's not a nice situation to have to live with, but what can we do? We feel powerless."

Members of Billericay Town Council have sounded out two security firms and obtained financial quotes. They are likely to make a decision on whether or not they will proceed with the plans later this week.

Chairman of the financial and general purposes committee Cllr Jim Devlin says the idea is still at a very early stage, but he fears the park's vandalism record could have knock-on effects for insurance claims in the future.

He said: "So far everything that has been damaged has been covered by insurance, but if it continues you don't know."

Stuart Coulson, who runs Guardsafe in Romford, confirmed his company had been approached.

He said: "They sounded very interested. It can end up cheaper than having to pay for damaged equipment."

Police who are running increased patrols in the park have also praised the idea.

Insp Sue Heaton said: "We already have a number of operations in place and currently work in partnership with park wardens. However, any assistance to patrol the area, better to curb anti-social behaviour and criminal damage, will be gratefully received."