New plans to protect Hartlepool parks after vandals damage toilets, bowling greens, play equipment, benches and fences

Hartlepool Borough Council chiefs have outlined how there was a “significant increase” in the use of the outdoor spaces during the Covid-19 pandemic which has continued following the easing of lockdown measures.

Yet concerns have been raised over damage being caused to such sites by a “minority of people” which has placed increased demands on resources to maintain parks.

Council chiefs have therefore developed new “place-based management plans” for the town’s Burn Valley Gardens, Ward Jackson Park, Rossmere Park and Seaton Park.

It will aim to ensure a “more proactive approach to review the strengths, challenges, opportunities and risks within each site”.

A report from council chiefs states the move will allow them to identify areas where funding and investment is required to manage parks.

It said: “Considering the volume of people using our outdoor spaces, most people have used them responsibly, although a minority of people cause significant concern in these environments.

“Although this has always been an issue, these problems have increased in recent years including damage to park assets such as public toilets, bowling greens, play equipment, benches and fences.

“The impact of this has been significant and the demand on resources is challenging.”

The plans will go before the adult and community based services committee on Thursday, June 15, where councillors will be asked to support sending them to public consultation.

This will allow residents to make contributions and ensure the proposals reflect the needs of the community, according to officers.