Council considers opening Ormeau, Falls and Woodvale Park 24 hours a day - despite fears over anti-social behaviour

At this week’s remote meeting of the council’s People and Communities Committee, officers again recommended opening some of Belfast’s largest parks for 24 hours a day as a pilot programme for next summer.

Earlier this year Ormeau, Falls and Woodvale Parks were proposed to open for 24 hours as a test-run for making the city’s parks more accessible. 

Due to Covid the pilot did not take place, as council officers were unable to carry out any consultation with local groups, seek the views of legal services and the PSNI, or put together any animation programmes for the sites in question.

When the pandemic hit, due to the initial restrictions all council parks were left open 24 hours for a number of weeks during the Spring lock down.

A council report titled ‘Proposed Improvements to Parks and Open Spaces’ states: “At the start this presented few problems, however as we began to emerge from lockdown our parks experienced increased antisocial behaviour, vandalism and damage. A number of assaults also took place.

“Following complaints from the public and elected representatives we began locking our parks again. There is the added concern that should parks remain open over the winter months the absence of lighting increases the possibility of accidents, additional crime and antisocial behaviour.”

A council officer told the committee: “In terms of the anti-social behaviour, what we are planning in terms of the pilot is not just opening the gates 24/7, walking away and evaluating how it went.

“It’s also supporting that with a programme of animation, looking at much more positive uses of our parks, particularly towards the darker hours, and seeing how that affects anti-social behaviour. It’s about really giving a positive message around the use of parks.”

At the committee SDLP Councillor Seamas De Faoite requested the council consider extending park winter opening hours, particularly where there are existing lighting sources. He said: “Parks have been a lifeline for people stuck at home during COVID-19.”

The council officer said a cost and staff analysis would be made for the proposal.

Green Councillor Brian Smyth said: “We have to acknowledge a lot of people want their parks open longer than 4.30pm in the winter, especially since social distancing is going to be part of our lives. Our normal has changed and we have to meet and adapt to the needs of our citizens.

“I have real concerns about the solutions to anti-social behaviour. It’s always the heavy handed approach, it’s always the hammer to crack the nut. It is always to close places down.

“If there is an opportunity for us to work with the Policing and Community Safety Partnership and the upcoming Feet on the Street youth project we can complement this pilot with really good youth outreach.”

Sinn Fein Councillor Geraldine McAteer said: “Consultations have been made in my constituency that residents were very clear they wanted the parks closed at certain times. I think it is worth taking them into consideration too.”

DUP Councillor Nicola Verner said: “I think rather than criticising young people we need to explore ways in which young people can find a space within our park, that they can participate and be welcome there, as long as they don’t participate in antisocial behaviour that affects residents.”

Councillors agreed to let officers re-start the pilot proposal and begin consultation with local groups, legal services and the PSNI. Officers will report on the outcome of this work and animation proposals in March 2021.