£60,000 boost for Rotherham parks to tackle anti-social behaviour and improve access
PARKS and green spaces across Rotherham are set for a £60,000 boost, with new measures aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour and making sites safer and easier to use.
The funding will be used for a range of improvements including better footpaths, new fencing and barriers, and upgrades to facilities in parks and open spaces across the borough.
Council officers say many of the works are being carried out in response to concerns raised by residents, councillors and the police, with a focus on problem areas where anti-social behaviour has put people off using local green spaces.
Issues such as off-road bikes, damaged pathways and unsecured sites have been highlighted as barriers to community use, with the council now looking to address them through targeted investment.
A number of schemes are already underway or have been completed, including new anti-vehicle barriers at Thrybergh Country Park and Wath Woods, resurfaced footpaths at Dinnington Community Woodland, and fencing improvements at Herringthorpe Playing Fields.
Other work has included repairs to the perimeter of the Greasbrough cenotaph and the installation of a new artificial cricket wicket in Eastwood.
Further projects are expected to follow, with additional funding earmarked for measures such as anti-motorbike fencing in Treeton and improvements to access and security in areas including Wath and Dalton.
The council says the work is part of a wider £240,000 programme to improve green spaces over several years, with £60,000 allocated annually. Officers noted that while day-to-day maintenance is covered by existing budgets, there has been no dedicated funding for larger improvements or security measures, making this type of capital investment necessary.
They added that improving access and facilities should encourage more people to use local parks, bringing benefits for both physical and mental wellbeing, while making spaces feel safer and more welcoming.
The programme is being delivered on an ongoing basis, with projects prioritised according to need and feedback from communities. Consultation has taken place with elected members, residents and partner organisations to help shape the work.