Open gates at Kelvingrove Park will be staffed by council officers and police for the first time this Friday as part of an action plan to curb crime and anti-social behaviour within the park.
With high temperatures forecast for this Friday (July 31), a large turnout is expected at Kelvingrove to enjoy the good weather.
Earlier this month ten out of sixteen gates at the park were locked to allow better management of access to the park on busy days and to help ensure visitors comply with park management rules that prohibit the consumption of alcohol.
This Friday council staff, with support from Police Scotland, will be stationed at open gates to inform anyone arriving at the park with alcohol that they will be refused entry. People carrying alcohol will either be asked to leave or be given the option of dumping their alcohol in specially provided bins before entering the park.
George Gillespie, Executive Director for Glasgow City Council, said: “Kelvingrove Park is there for everyone to enjoy, but we have been very concerned about recent reports from the park of violence, anti-social behaviour and a frequent refusal to follow physical distancing rules during the Covid emergency.
“Much of this unacceptable behaviour has been fuelled by alcohol and it has created an atmosphere that is intimidating and unwelcoming to many residents who regularly use the park.
“The issues in the park required a response to protect the amenity of the park for all parts of the community. Having officers stationed at open gates to enforce the park management rules will help to ensure that the park is a safe place for all people to visit.
“The simple message is that if you come to the park with alcohol you won’t get in. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy Kelvingrove Park, but alcohol should be left behind. Like any other open space in the city, anyone who is found to be drinking alcohol within the park is liable to receive a fine from the police.”
The council has liaised regularly with Police Scotland to develop the response to issues in the park.
Superintendent Ross Allan said:”Police Scotland is working closely with Glasgow City Council to prevent repeated incidents of antisocial behaviour from occuring in Kelvingrove Park.
“Officers will be visible and accessible to park users should they need police assistance. We would like to remind anyone planning on visiting the park that alcohol is not permitted and, should incidents of antisocial behaviour take place, then those responsible will be dealt with robustly.”
The changes to park access is a part of a wider effort to ensure Kelvingrove Park is safe and enjoyable environment for all visitors. Measures such additional bins, enhanced mobile CCTV in the park and engagement with youngers groups through youth services providers have all been undertaken as well as identifying alternative activities in local communities.
