Stop the attacks at Arboretum Park
PRESSURE is growing for action to stop gang attacks in
Derby's historic Arboretum park – just weeks after it was given
-
a national safety award.
Attack victim Chris Jordan wrote to the Evening Telegraph
and expressed his dismay that the park's CCTV was broken and
plans for a police office had not been fulfilled.
The 64-year-old said he was kicked and spat on in a racist
attack.
It was one of six violent incidents in the park in recent
months.
The Arboretum was Britain's first public park, dating back
to 1840. It has undergone a £5.5m makeover with National
Lottery cash.
But police are now trying to get community leaders together
to stop it becoming a no-go zone. They revealed that they were
working on "a partnership plan to improve security", as well as
making daily patrols.
Shokat Lal, chairman of Derby's Pakistani Community Centre,
said: "Racist attacks of any form, on any community, are
completely unacceptable and I have in the past few weeks had
some very direct conversations with the police about why there
seems to be a failure in stopping these attacks and charging
those involved.
"I'm aware Pakistani individuals have also been attacked, so
it's not just one community attacking another."
Derby's mayor, Councillor Barbara Jackson, said: "The park
is a jewel in Derby's crown and is used by so many people.
These incidents are very disappointing and it is a terrible
shame. I hope they are isolated incidents and I know local
councillors are working with the community to address the
issues."
Jangir Khan, chairman of the Friends of Arboretum Park,
said: "Security should be good enough to catch these
people."
Police have met councillors and representatives of the
city's community safety partnership and parks department to
discuss problems at the park. Chief Inspector Gary Parkin said:
"While there have been incidents of assault at the park, the
offenders have not come from one specific ethnic group and
neither have the victims."
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6 Comments
by Shakeel, Derby
Wednesday, August 27 2008, 1:59PM
“Punishment is also required. If and when someone is caught you need them to go down hard for the crime to prevent others from thinking you can get away with it. A cousin of mine was attacked in the park whilst trying to stop another fight, he was stabbed in the back. His attackers were not convicted, despite evidence and witnesses.”
by Mark, Derby
Wednesday, August 27 2008, 12:46PM
“CCTV is fine for recording something happening, but it doesn't prevent incidents and if the perpetrators are wearing hoods or caps then it would be very difficult to identify them once they have left the park. I was of the understanding that, when the park was restored, a rangers office was built and park rangers employed. If this is the case then what are they doing. It is only a very small park, surely they should be walking around it looking out for crime and violence and then liasing with the police.”
by Shakeel, Derby
Wednesday, August 27 2008, 10:27AM
“The park is actually towards the northern Edge of Normanton.”
by sam, sinfin
Wednesday, August 27 2008, 10:25AM
“Plots to kill the prime minister, arrest's for supporting terrorism, stabbings, muggings, gun crime, Normanton, a park in the middle, who said anything about Bagdad.”
by Shakeel, Derby
Wednesday, August 27 2008, 8:50AM
“A greater emphasis should be put on safety. The park is not Baghdad as some people like to describe it as, but even 1 act of violent crime is an act too many.”
by sam, sinfin
Wednesday, August 27 2008, 8:26AM
“Talk! Talk! Talk! Thats all they seem to do, What is there to talk about this has been going on for months there's plenty of money to put cameras watching cars and for police to target motorists so why not for peoples safety or is this not cost effective. p.s. i am not a whingeing motorist i am disabled so i do not drive but i can see that this would not produce revenue.”