Trouble at a York park is being caused by a small minority, who shouldn’t be allowed to ruin it for everyone else.
That’s the message from Cllr John Moroney after a recent surge in anti-social behaviour at Hull Road Park.
We reported yesterday how city leaders and police had united to condemn a group of youths on bikes who were racially abusing York residents in the area.
Police are stepping up patrols and gathering evidence on the culprits. Many incidents of the anti-social behaviour have taken place in Hull Road Park.
As well as the racist abuse, there have been incidents of vandalism and fire starting.
Cllr Moroney pointed out that there are some big positives from the “wonderful community” involved in the park, and praised police for their efforts.
The Labour representative for Hull Road Ward told YorkMix: “I’m very upset to hear about the trouble in Hull Road Park.
“I’d just like to stress we’ve got a wonderful community around Hull Road Park, and we can’t let the few rule over the rest of us.
“It’s vital that the police and others are now investigating, although this, of course, means that I can’t comment on specifics. I’d like to pay tribute to the sterling work our local police community support officer is doing day in day out.”
He said PCSO Simon Cartwright was “doing amazing work trying to engage some younger people to stop them going down routes which would bring them into conflict with the police and so on.
“But he’s having to take on an awful lot of work given the fact that over many years now, the number of police on the ground have been reduced.”
He said anyone could email him to discuss their concerns about the recent behaviour – cllr.jmoroney@york.gov.uk.
You can also use that address if you’d like to join the Friends of Hull Road Park. Cllr Moroney says this new group is making a difference.
The park is becoming more of a hub for community events as part of the fightback against anti-social behaviour. There’s been a pop-up kitchen in the park, York Knights have held some sporting events with children, while St Nicks and The Conservation Volunteers have been active there too.
“There are lots of really lovely people who deeply care about the area who are not just talking they’re doing,” Cllr Moroney said.
“But of course, it only takes one or two bad apples to change the atmosphere.
“We are chipping away, and we won’t give up, because we deeply care about the area.
“The people are good, solid York folk, they’re lovely, and in their own quiet way, they do foster community spirit. And I guess it’s all about not letting the few dictate to the many.”