Spy cameras set for plagued Cannock parks
Spy cameras will be installed at a Cannock park, under plans revealed today, after a series of anti-social incidents and complaints by park staff and nearby householders.
Police support officers and park wardens were given extra training last year in a bid to tackle bad behaviour in parks across Cannock Chase, including Cannock Park.
Taxpayers foot a £2,000 bill after a set of gates at the park were damaged last December when a woman locked in the car park after closing time was assisted by some men, who let her out by lifting the gates off the hinges. Then left them lying on the ground.
Plans to install CCTV at the park have been put forward by Cannock Chase Council's environmental team as part of a district-wide bid to better support park staff and the police.
District councillor Maureen Freemanwas subjected to a campaign of harassment after she attempted to rid the park of yobs. Councillor Freeman went to the park to identify trouble hotspots and was left paralysed with fear by a group of up to 15 youths.
She was also followed by 19-year-old Harry Batista-Crespo, who shouted abuse outside her Park Road home calling her "an informer" and "a snitch."
Last October he was found guilty of harassment and given a 12-month restraining order, banning him from contacting Councillor Freeman, and ordered to pay a total of £820 in costs and fines.
