Birmingham families appeal to buy CCTV for their local park as they say 'people need to feel safe'

Reddings Lane Park is plagued by anti-social behaviour and a van and fly-tipping was set on fire in the 'worst' incident yet

Volunteers have launched an appeal to pay for CCTV at a park plagued by anti-social behaviour. In the latest incident, a transit van and mounds of waste were dumped and set ablaze at Reddings Lane park and playground in Tyseley.

It is believed the vehicle was left at the Forman's Road entrance, by the play area, in the early hours of Friday (October 11). It was reported and cleared by the council at the weekend.

A volunteer from the Friends of Reddings Lane Park says the spot is challenged by antisocial behaviour, drugs in the carpark, vandalism and continuous fly-tipping. They want to install CCTV as a deterrence, in accordance with GDPR rules, and are appealing for £1,500 via Crowdfunder donations.

Read More: Woman found dead in Perry Barr as police issue statement

Faria Chaudhri, from the group, said: "We've had lots of fly-tipping but Friday's has to be the worst as they torched a van. We want this to be a vibrant and safe park, people need to feel safe.

"In that spot we get a lot of drug use in the car park after 11pm. We have found nitrous oxide, packets for drugs, condoms and significant fly-tipping.

Click here to donate to the Crowdfunding appeal

"With the council's help, we've installed fences and blocked off entrances off Forman's Road. We are trying to get businesses to support us to get CCTV.

"It's pretty much left to volunteers and mosques to keep the area clean. We want to get barriers in. We want to keep it looking aesthetically pleasing."

A statement on their appeal said: "Over the past few years, we’ve been working really hard to get CCTV cameras installed around key areas of the community hall/park, especially in spots where we’ve faced some challenges. We’ve finally done our homework and are now on the lookout for funding !

"We truly believe that having a CCTV system in place will help keep those important areas around the community centre/carpark safer and reduce issues like crime, antisocial behavior and fly-tipping. The Friends of Reddings Lane Park group is aiming to raise £1,500 through donations from residents, local businesses, schools and organisations who are able and willing to help out."

Councillor Majid Mahmood, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: "The council acted quickly to clean up following this incident in Reddings Lane Park. Those who dump waste on public or private land are environmental criminals, who are expecting people in our city to foot the bill for the disposal of their rubbish and unwanted items.

"There is no excuse for this anti-social behaviour, which shows no regard for the surroundings in which we all have to live and work. There are many legitimate ways to get rid of waste, including our household recycling centres which have plenty of capacity, and our mobile waste centres, so there is simply no excuse.

“We investigate incidents and do not hesitate to take enforcement action or prosecute offenders, as demonstrated in the past by many high-profile cases."