Newcastle's Walker Park under siege as selfish yobs with fireworks and bikes run riot

Mary Glindon, the MP for Newcastle East and Wallsend, is calling for a “zero tolerance approach” to anti-social behaviour plaguing Walker Park.

She has complained that “yobs” have been regularly setting off fireworks in the East End green space, which recently won back its prestigious Green Flag status, through the summer holidays.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) understands that there was a fire in the bin shed of the park’s cafe on Sunday, August 24.

Mrs Glindon said that Walker Park had suffered from anti-social behaviour for many years but that it had “worsened considerably over the summer”.

The Labour MP added: “Local residents tell me that the police and local authorities have been slow on the uptake. I think this explains what seems like a slide into anti-social activity on an increasing scale. If you give an inch then selfish idiots will take a mile. I have convened a meeting between local people and the police to urge them to do more to stop the park being abused by yobs. A zero tolerance approach is needed to return the park to its peaceful and social purposes at the heart of the local community.”

One nearby resident, who asked not to be named, told the LDRS that the sight of fireworks and young people riding around the park on motorbikes had made it an “intimidating” place.

He added: “They just ruin the park, it is ridiculous. I can’t take the dog for a walk half of the time.”

Newcastle City Council said that it had worked with local groups to develop a plan for investment in the park and had carried out a survey to determine what changes could help prevent crime or anti-social behaviour incidents occurring.

A spokesperson added: “We understand there have been long standing concerns around anti-social behaviour in Walker Park and that the recent incidents will be concerning to residents and park users in the Walker area.

“Prior to this, we had not received any formal reports or intelligence indicating ongoing anti-social behaviour in the park involving fireworks in recent months, and we have been working very closely with residents and community groups in the area, particularly since the management of parks transferred to the council earlier this year.

“We love Walker Park and we want to reassure residents that we are committed to ensuring it can thrive, and be a green space that the community can be proud of. The ongoing work with residents, community groups and emergency services in recent weeks and months has been really positive and we are exploring a number of funding opportunities for the area.”

Inspector Craig Patchett, of Northumbria Police’s Byker and Walker Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT), said that summer often resulted in a rise in anti-social behaviour and that enhanced patrols had been carried out.

He added: “ This includes participating in regular Stand Alone Problem Solving meetings which have been taking place for the past two years. We also work with organisations which provide engagement sessions for young people too, to educate them on the risks of becoming involved in ASB.

“This involves early intervention work aimed at diverting youngsters away from criminality.

“While we know it’s only a minority who are carrying out these acts, we would ask that parents and carers have conversations with the young people they care for to make them aware of the consequences of their actions.

“Anyone with concerns about ASB should approach an officer on duty – please remember that we are here to help.

“To report ASB, send us a DM on social media or use the live chat or report forms on our Force website. For those unable to make contact via those ways, call 101.”