Call for CCTV at Belfast Playpark Amid Growing Safety Concerns

A representative for the Donegall Pass area has formally requested the installation of CCTV in a local playpark due to increasing concerns over safety. At the December meeting of the Belfast City Council People and Communities Committee, community leaders highlighted issues surrounding drug use and antisocial behavior that have made the Reverend Robert Bradford Park at Lindsay Street a source of distress for families in the area.

Ernie Purvis, from the Donegall Pass Residents’ Association, raised alarm over reports of “strange people hanging about” in the park, including incidents involving discarded used needles. Purvis noted that a recent event involving a man engaging in serious antisocial behavior on a park bench has left parents feeling frightened. “Local children are now not using the park,” he stated, urging the council to take immediate action. He emphasized the location’s significance, being just 100 yards from both Dublin Road and Ormeau Avenue.

Community advocate Peter McDonald also spoke at the meeting, underscoring the park’s importance to local residents. He pointed out that there are currently 210 children aged between 0 and 14 years living in Donegall Pass, a neighborhood home to approximately 1,500 residents. Despite this, the area is severely lacking in green space. According to National Playing Fields Association guidelines, each community should have 2.4 hectares of open space for every 1,000 residents. Donegall Pass currently has only 0.7 hectares, a stark deficit.

McDonald highlighted the mental health challenges faced by the community, stating, “Access to open space and greenery, if it is safe, is beneficial. It is imperative that the people of Donegall Pass can come to this park and feel safe.” He called for swift action to ensure the safety and accessibility of the park, which he described as a lifeline for local families.

During the council meeting, DUP Councillor Sarah Bunting requested a report from council officials examining the feasibility and funding options for CCTV installation at the park. Meanwhile, Sinn Féin Councillor Matt Garrett acknowledged the specific issues raised but suggested that a broader approach be considered. He proposed a city-wide report evaluating the need for CCTV across various parks, taking into account statistics on antisocial behavior.

“I know from previous community safety meetings that the costs, management, and data protection issues surrounding CCTV need thorough consideration,” Garrett remarked. “Let’s get something back that covers the entire city in terms of the statistics of antisocial behavior in areas, and then we can move on from there.”

The committee agreed to Garrett’s proposal, which will now be presented to the full council for ratification in January 2024. The ongoing dialogue reflects a growing commitment among local representatives to enhance safety and community well-being in Donegall Pass, ensuring that families can utilize their local park without fear.