Residents have called for greater action to stop people leaving a popular Arnold park 'in a state'. General litter, dog mess and broken glass were among the concerns raised at King George V Recreation Ground, in Arnold, with some park users calling for fines to be implemented to stop the issues.
The recreation is in front of the new AMP market development in Arnold which is still being built. Carol Bell, 61 uses the park regularly to walk her dogs.
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Now retired and from Arnold, Carol said: “To say that the park closes at 4 o’clock most of the time, you wouldn’t think there’s as much mess as there is, the council do come around and clean it as they should but around 4 days later, it’s like they [the council] need to come back out again.”
“I’ve seen owners not pick up after their dogs in this park and broken glass being left around which is dangerous for dogs and children especially. I do think people should be fined if they’re caught not looking after their local surroundings and then, I think you’ll find, the problem will be solved.”
In Nottingham, not cleaning up dog mess holds a £70 fine if caught. For not picking up general litter, people can be fined £75.
Civil servant Mark Draycott, 34, has only noticed the mess in the park a few times. He said: “I think the mess in the park could be worse so we’re lucky. Most of the time, I think it’s [the park] quite clean and tidy.
“Like any other park, this park has had its moments of not looking very clean. Over the summer holidays, we spent a lot of time at this park and I wouldn’t bring my kids here if I thought it was overwhelmed with rubbish.”
Sales assistant Glenda Davidson, 56, added: “I’ve seen the park messy before but it isn’t like that all the time, I come here regularly and Woodthorpe Park which is much bigger and I see more mess on there - way more.”
Glenda, who has lived in Arnold all her life, continued: “I think that those who treat the park like a dumping ground should be fined, there’s no excuse there’s a bin at the entrance and in other places in the park - but even if there wasn’t, put it in your pocket!”
Councillor Ron McCrossen, Portfolio Holder for Environment said:“We have a number of bins at all of our parks and each site is inspected, cleaned and has bins emptied on a regular basis.These spaces are for everyone in our community to enjoy, so it’s disappointing that some people choose not to dispose of their waste correctly and spoil them for others.
Our officers are reviewing the cleaning schedules for our parks and will make changes as required.I’d urge everyone to be considerate when using these facilities and to please use the bins provided to keep these areas clean and safe for everyone. Thank you to all our visitors who already take care of these sites.
Residents can notify the council of issues with littering or damage to parks and open spaces at www.gedling.gov.uk/report-it”
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