CCTV could answer Clifton Park vandalism problems

A decision is due on whether to install security cameras in the memorial garden at Rotherham's Clifton Park following vandalism problems, with a site survey already completed.
Security:CCTV could solve vandalism problems at Clifton ParkSecurity:CCTV could solve vandalism problems at Clifton Park
Security:CCTV could solve vandalism problems at Clifton Park

Councillors have responded to a petition calling for improved security after a memorial bench was twice vandalised and council officials have carried out a viability study to assess the work needed to install the equipment.

They are now due to make a decision, though the scale of work involved means it would be unlikely to go ahead until the next financial year, the Spring of 2019.

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However, in the meantime it has been requested that both council rangers and South Yorkshire Police introduce more regular patrols in the area to act as a deterrent.

The petition was launched following incidents where a bench installed in memory of former soldier Kurtis Spafford was vandalised.

He died in 2015, aged 23, and the incidents have caused distress for his family.

Almost 2,000 people signed the petition and Coun Wendy Cooksey spoke to colleagues on their behalf, to explain the importance of their request.

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'After his very premature death, his family have told me, his friends moved by what happeend raised enough money to a place a bench in the memorial gardens at Clifton Park.

'It is a beautiful, secluded part of the park where families can go and take time to reflect.

'Unfortunately, Kurtis's bench has been vandalised twice.

'Workers at Rotherham Council have done a fantastic job in restoring it. It is not the only memorial to be vandalised.'

The Spafford family were in fear that the bench could be targeted for damage in future, she said.

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Coun Sarah Allen said the site had now been assessed for the work involved and added: 'Green Spaces have also agreed there will be additional patrols by both park rangers and police until it is installed.'

The council will inform the Spafford family of its decision.