CCTV could be installed at the Middlewich Road play area in Holmes Chapel in a bid to tackle a rise in anti-social behaviour.

Holmes Chapel Parish Council agreed at this month’s meeting to buy a mobile CCTV system for the play area, subject to finding a suitable location for the camera.

The meeting was attended by PCSO Liz Chesters, who said there had been an increase in anti-social behaviour at the play area in the past two months, and vandalism at a nearby pre-school and houses near the area.

She said police believed CCTV would be very useful if installed in the play park.

Recent incidents involved a fire on the area, a house being ‘egged’ opposite the area, youths knocking over bins and knocking on doors, and a ‘knife incident’ in an alleyway.

“We are working hard to identify the individuals involved, but I think we need some sort of prevention putting in place,” said PCSO Chesters, asking whether hedges could be cut back to mark the park more visible.

“The youths know they cannot be seen from the road, and are almost hidden when they are causing anti-social behaviour,” she said.

Cllr Mike Blomeley said anti-social behaviour at the area had become an issue of increasing concern.

“A camera would help make the area safer for those for whom it is provided by reducing the risks from damage and the dangerous materials found there in recent months,” he said.

Cllr Margaret Ranger said: “In recent weeks, there has been an increase of anti-social behaviour in the play area, with two main effects being a concern for safety and continual complaints about the amount of rubbish, as well as potentially dangerous throwaways, in the play park.

“There have been more concerns from parents of young children regarding the kind of items found there - broken glass, litter, cigarettes, and other dubious stuff.”

The meeting was told Cheshire East Council’s CCTV centre in Macclesfield would be responsible for the control of the camera.

The meeting heard that there had been discussion with residents who used the play area about the formation of a volunteer group to help with tidying up the area.

The council agreed to support the police’s request to buy a mobile CCTV camera, to investigate the cost and implications of removing the hedge next to Middlewich Road, and to look at the cost and availability of a regular cleaning service first thing in the morning, including the use of ANSA and volunteer groups.

It was also agreed to approve the sum of £4,945 to be paid for the CCTV from the capital funds balance for 2018/19, and to approve the sum of £588 per year for data costs.