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CCTV cameras installed in park after spate of problems

CCTV cameras will be installed at Hednesford Park in a bid to tackle vandalism and anti-social behaviour following a spate of problems.

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Residents living nearby claim they are being disturbed by groups gathering in the park.

Council leaders also fear the gangs could be deterring people from visiting the park, which is currently undergoing a £2.2million revamp.

Cannock Chase Council now plans to install two cameras to combat potential trouble and allow the site to be monitored.

A planning application for the scheme, which the council says it hopes will reduce problems, has been submitted.

Mike Edmonds, head of commissioning at Cannock Chase Council said: "The park has suffered from vandalism, anti-social behaviour and inappropriate use at various times.

"The original pavilion was burnt down and other buildings have suffered a similar fate.

"The issues affects not only users of the park but adjacent residential properties through noise and disturbance .

"Such activities also dissuade locals from using the park on a regular basis as well as promoting a poor image for the town."

Mr Edmonds added: The camera facility would be used to support the park keepers' existing audio radio link whilst also monitoring the area when the park keepers are not on duty."

Council leader George Adamson, who represents the Hednesford Green Heath ward, said: "It's not been too bad at the moment - it comes and goes.

"The cameras mean the park can be monitored and allow someone to step in before problems escalate."

As part of the wider transformation of the site, the pavilion is being extended to two storeys. It will feature a community room, balcony and ground floor café.

A new skate park is also being created, as well as a new car park. New tennis courts have already been installed. The children's play area is also being updated and new football pitches will be created. The works are due to continue until 2017.

In November, work began on a new network of footpaths around the site.

While last February, an historic signal box dating back to the 1800s was moved to the park which has become its new permanent home.

It was moved over from part of the Chase Line near Hednesford station.

The park was awarded £2.2million from the Heritage Lottery Fund in 2012 and the money is being used to fund the works.

Councillor Adamson said: "There is a lot going on in the park - it's going to be a massive change when it's all completed."

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