CCTV cameras could soon deter vandals at Winsford Town Park

Councillors met with the police to see what measures could be introduced to tackle anti-social behaviour in the town's parks.

It follows a sharp rise in vandalism and arson attacks which have seen swings and bins set on fire.

Bins have been torched in parks

Plans to install CCTV cameras are now being explored.

Mayor Cllr Nathan Pardoe said: "There’s been a spike in incidents in Winsford and elsewhere across the country. Myself, a number of councillors and Winsford Town Council staff met with Cheshire Police and Cheshire West & Chester Council to discuss how to tackle anti-social behaviour in our parks.

Children's swings have also been destroyed

"It was a positive meeting with short-term interventions including signage and reporting changes and broader strategies including CCTV.

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"There is already a blanket protection order for no public drinking in Cheshire West. We are looking to update signage so we can enforce this across the town."

Talks are now underway to explore the most effective way to install surveillance.

"We are working with the police to find out which is the best scheme, how many cameras to install and where we should place them," said Cllr Pardoe. "We want to make our parks safe whilst keeping them accessible and enjoyable.

"It is all about partnership working.

"The police ask that we reinforce the message that any anti-social behaviour should be reported. If vandalism is in progress, call 999.

"Reporting incidents is the best way to catch the small number of people responsible for this behaviour. The community can provide evidence . Together, we can change this culture of anti-social behaviour.

"I know council staff have already started work on implementing some of the suggestions from the meeting and progress will continue via committees."