Chris Cooke

A small section of the community do seem intent on causing mischief in the St.James's Area with regard to the locking of the gates at the New Stene Garden.

Just to be absolutely clear, at a recent public meeting of the St.James's Area Local Action Team (LAT), which was attended by residents, traders, PCSO's, local ward councillors and City Parks staff, the following was agreed for a trial period:
 
"that the one functioning gate at the top of the garden (the St.James's St end) would be locked at dusk on Sun - Weds inclusive and reopened at 9am the following morning.  All other gates into the garden would be left unlocked at all times.  The reason for not locking the top gate on Thurs - Sat was that Operation Marble was in place on those evenings and therefore an enhanced police presence would be in the area to deter any anti-social behaviour.
 
As Chair of the Local Action Team (LAT), I thought this was a sensible solution and indeed it is what local residents have actively asked for and voted for at that public meeting.  I am not a fan of locking up public spaces and this has not been the case, with the remaining gates to the garden being open to the public, as they should be.  But by the simplest act of just locking the top gate on certain nights of the week we have seen a significant drop in anti-social beaviour in that area.
 
In addition, I feel very strongly that the LAT adopts the role of quasi-custodian of the beautiful Aids Memorial, and if this is achieved by locking a gate at dusk then I see no harm at all.  We as a community have a duty of care to ensure that the statue is maintained in pristine condition, to be enjoyed by the many and not spoilt by the few.
 
As Chair I am passionate about that.