No CCTV for Blackheath Park

Sandwell Council turns down petition calling for CCTV at a Blackheath park.

21:18 04 June 2019

A petition calling for CCTV at a Blackheath Park in Sandwell has been turned down by the local government despite being signed by more than 600 people. According to the petition, many residents are too scared to use the park because of the growing number of incidents involving people being threatened at knife-point, robberies, sexual assault and anti-social youths on motorbikes intimidating people. 

 

 

 

However, Sandwell Council says they are not installing CCTV cameras because there has not been a significant increase in crime and anti-social behaviour over the last year at the park.

 

 

 

The council’s decision was criticised by many residents.

 

 

 

31-year-old Scott Sexton, who lives in nearby Regis Road and who started the petition, was gutted at the decision.

 

 

 

He said: "It's really disappointing - Sandwell Council is failing to deliver for its residents.

 

 

 

"It shows a complete lack of respect for local residents who took the time to support the petition.

 

 

 

"650 people have supported it and they have classed that as almost irrelevant.

 

 

 

"I have spoken to a local resident who was threatened at knife-point while walking his dogs - there has also been a sexual assault. I don't know where it's going to end."