Peace returns to Ilford park after police net louts
Parks police have been praised for seeing off vandals making people’s lives a misery.
PARK users are enjoying peace and quiet after a drive to clear their tennis courts of vandals and nuisance youths.
Parks police officers swooped on gangs who had taken over tennis courts in South Park, Ilford, in recent months.
Users had complained that the courts had been blighted by groups of people transforming them into football pitches.
As well as youngsters jumping on nets and intimidating other players, there has also been vandalism and graffiti and park lovers have spotted groups congregating and drinking alcohol.
Tony Hoad, of South Park Users’ Group, said the problems have led to regular tennis players feeling intimidated.
But he added that parks police have been very supportive and rapidly move troublesome groups out of the area.
Most Read
- 1 Jailed: Teen who inflicted life-changing injuries as he squirted acid in boy's face
- 2 Police no longer looking for man wanted in connection with assault
- 3 Travel Bulletin: Havering, Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham
- 4 Awards nomination for 'rights champion' schoolgirl, 9
- 5 'Time to end the injustice': Barts staff set to strike amid pay dispute
- 6 New documentary on murders of women whose bodies were hidden in freezer
- 7 How often do Londoners cycle to work in each borough?
- 8 Ilford social club elects new president for 2022
- 9 Driver charged in connection with fatal collision on M11 due in court
- 10 Men jailed for using explosives in string of ATM thefts
He said: “Their presence is an essential part of keeping the park a safe and secure place for the community.”
