Measures are going to be taken to reduce the risk of anti-social behaviour at a playing field.

Oakham Town Council discussed Cutts Close at a meeting on Wednesday 28 June 28.

This comes after, last year, the defibrillator in the park was damaged to the point at which it had to be removed. Read more here.

The defibrillator in Cutts Close was vandalised this time last year, in July 2022. Image credit: Nub News.

Coun Joyce Lucas had written to members of the recreation and planning committee, saying: "Many years ago I walked Cutts Close with the police to identify how Oakham Town Council could reduce the vandalism in the area. It was suggested that the shrubbery around the bandstand be removed and the area grassed, as young people were hiding in the bushes to smoke. It was also suggested that the seats at the shelter should be removed.

"My suggestion would be to remove the seats and build outwards to the footprint and no further. Add two new seats in open areas where the police can easily identify problems. The bird boxes need to be replaced. All bird boxes to be cleaned each year, after the new brood have fledged."

Oakham Town Council are taking steps to reduce the risk of vandalism and crime in Cutts Close. Image credit: LDRS.

Chairman of the committee, Coun Adam Lowe, said Coun Lucas' concerns had been noted.

"We note Coun Lucas' concerns and will instruct the maintenance team to look after the shrubbery better, cutting it back and mowing the grass and thinning the bushes. We will also look into relocating the seats at the shelter if possible, but I don't think we should brick-up the sides as Coun Lucas suggests. We will also take a look at the bird boxes."

Editor's Note. An earlier version of this story incorrectly attributed Coun Lowe with comments about the park. These were supplied to Nub News by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. We have amended the story and apologise to Coun Lowe.

The next meeting of Oakham Town Council Recreation and Planning Committee is on Wednesday, 26 July 2023.