Action at Old Heath Recreation Ground proves to be a success

Families trying to enjoy Old Heath Recreation Ground in Colchester had previously been met with hostility by up to 20 delinquents who were, on occasion, armed with BB guns.

Police patrols were ramped up in response to a series of reported issues amid fears it would become a no-go zone over the school holidays.

Colchester Council removed the sides and back of the park’s blue shelter to allow officers to witness any activity taking place inside it from a distance.

Concerned residents fear drug dealing is still prevalent in the area but, by and large, the action has been hailed as a success by New Town and Christ Church councillor Kayleigh Rippingale.

Team - Lee Scordis and Kayleigh Rippingale at the park (Image: Newsquest)

“I’ve spoken to residents near the rec and they have said it’s much better and there’s a lot less anti-social behaviour there,” she said.

“Some of the group have moved into the community garden but the police are keeping track of it.

“I don’t want to be heavy handed with tackling anti-social behaviour if small changes are going to keep on making big improvements.

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“The things we are doing are working and we will continue to monitor the sites of concern.”

To remedy the issues New Town has faced in recent weeks, schemes such as a legal graffiti zone in the ward have been implemented.

The community project in Kendall Folley has “made people feel safer” when walking through spaces previously used be drug dealers, Ms Rippingale claimed.

Park - Old Heath Recreation Ground (Image: Newsquest)

Her council counterpart Lee Scordis said the region is being “completely changed” and the recreation ground is seeing far less anti-social behaviour.

He said: “There are still issues with drug dealing but this is an issue across Colchester we have to deal with.

“What’s really positive to see if families are using the rec’s blue shelter which before was solely used by gangs of kids.

“We’ve encouraged people who want to have fun that they can and be safe while doing so.”