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Wath's New Facelift Project |
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Local News
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Monday, 08 February 2010 17:53 |
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Montgomery Square in Wath-upon-Dearne is considered as welcoming, safe and clean by the majority of local people – but it hasn’t always been that way. Back in 2008 street drinking, property damage and antisocial behaviour caused problems for some residents.
They alerted local organisations and councillors to this and a three-year project, which is almost complete, was then put in place to improve the area. A street survey was initiated by Wentworth North Area Assembly to ask people what they thought of the area, what concerned them and how it could be improved.
Their opinions resulted in Montgomery Square becoming a Neighbourhood Action Group priority. Local police officers, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, 2010 Rotherham and Rotherham Wardens also interviewed residents about their experience of Wath town centre, showing three main concerns to be street drinking, youth nuisance and street scene.
Following the consultations it was decided that the police should serve an antisocial behaviour order (ASBO) to one elderly street drinker who attracted young people to congregate around him.
The area was also made an alcohol exclusion zone. Work then began to transform the square from a shabby and uninviting site in to a friendly and welcoming community area. Large trees obscuring CCTV images were cut back, poor lighting was replaced and new block seating was installed to replace broken wooden benches.
The pocket park leading to the square was also improved through clearing the site and introducing new lighting. Residents were kept informed during the project through Wath Community Partnership meetings and members of this group ensured funds were allocated to the right areas. Councillor Alan Atkin said:
“The improvements have been of enormous benefit as we had quite a bit of antisocial behaviour here, mainly through alcohol drinking. “Although some people were dissatisfied by the loss of seats and trees brought about by the ongoing programme of work, I think most people are pleased with the results.”
Rotherham Borough Council’s Antisocial Behaviour Officer Terrance Quinn added: “The ASBO issued has had a very positive effect. “The person it was issued to was restricted from entering the town for two years and hasn’t breached these conditions.”
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