COUNCIL staff and police have been reminded of their responsibility to maintain safety in Greenwich parks and make sure they can be used by everybody.

A public meeting was called by the authority to tackle residents' complaints over issues of drug taking, graffiti, trail-bike riding and even prostitution in the borough's open spaces.

Council members were joined by police to listen to residents' concerns and a brainstorming session was held to try and come up with a solution.

Julia Cowdell, of Plumstead Common Environment Group, told the assembled group how they were not doing enough to help stop youths overrunning the common after dark.

She said: "So far, attempts to deal with anti-social behaviour have been ineffective. It's all very well having park wardens but they can only do so much. It's about time the police and the council took responsibility.

"One resident, who called the council to complain of a vandalised tree, was told because it was the property of the council and did not belong to her, she had no business complaining. This is the sort of thing we have to deal with."

Mrs Cowdell added: "These people are committing crimes which must be treated more seriously."

During the discussion, council staff outlined plans to use new mobile CCTV cameras in parks across the borough, to act as a deterrent and to catch the criminals in the act.

Other possible solutions included extra funding for community groups and the creation of more opportunities for youngsters to get involved in out-of-school activities.

The event's chairman Councillor David Gardner said afterwards: "We hope the conference was a start in our efforts to reclaim Greenwich's parks and open spaces for families, young people and older people indeed, for all our citizens."

The discussions are expected to continue in the coming months as more meetings are called.

csteel@london.newsquest.co.uk

July 9, 2002 12:00