Park Watch

What is Park Watch?

Park Watch works in a similar way to the successful Neighbourhood Watch scheme by encouraging park users to take a personal interest in the parks that they use.

The scheme aims to protect Wigan & Leigh’s parks and open spaces from vandalism and crime whilst improving safety and security for their users.

The aim is to give local people the support they need should they encounter anti-social behaviour ranging from drug use, dog fouling, littering, vandalism, graffiti and underage drinking.

The Park Watch project is a joint initiative involving Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust, Wigan Council and the Police and is led by the Trust’s Parks & Countryside Activities Team.

Why do we need Park Watch?

The scheme aims to help reduce anti-social behaviour and misuse of the borough’s parks, damage to park property, and most of all encourage residents to take ownership of the well-used facilities, build community spirit and take pride in the borough’s parks & open spaces.

Park Watch helps the local community keep an eye on the borough’s parks & open spaces which will give us vital information to help us manage them safely and effectively, and ensures that the parks & open spaces are safe for the community to use.

If you see it - report it!

If you see any incidents of anti-social behaviour or criminal damage in parks & open spaces across the borough you can report it by several methods:

1. For serious acts of crime please contact the Police on 999 or 0161 872 5050
2. Contacting the Greenspace Helpdesk by phone 01942 776612 or email parks@wlct.org
3. Download and complete a simple Park Watch reporting form. You can find the form under the 'Downloadable Files' section on the left-hand navigation menu. Send the form to:
Michael Fishwick, Park Watch Co-ordinator, Haigh Stables, Haigh Hall, Copperas Lane, Haigh, Wigan WN2 1PE
4. Email Michael Fishwick (Park Watch co-ordinator)

What to report?

• Damage to park facilities – toilets, bowling greens etc.
• Damage to park equipment – play equipment, benches, bins, lighting etc.
• Damage to natural features – trees, flower beds, wildlife.
• Graffiti.
• Dog Fouling.
• Littering.
• Broken Glass.
• Vandalism.
• Underage drinking.
• Drug activity.
• Motorcycles & Joyriding.
• Harassment.

What NOT to do?

• Apprehend or approach anyone engaged in criminal acts.
• Take photographs.

What will we do?

• When notified of an incident, a member of the Parks & Countryside Activities Team will inspect the park or open space.
• Undertake any repairs that are necessary to ensure our parks & open spaces are safe places to visit.
• We will inform the Police of crimes or anti-social behaviour.
• We will acknowledge your enquiry and inform you of the actions we have taken.
• The scheme is in place wherever you see the Parks Watch logo.

The following code of conduct is in operation:

• Litter must be put in bins or taken home
• Dogs must be under control
• Dog foul must be bagged and binned. (It is an offence under the Dog (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 not to)
• Horses are allowed on designated bridlepaths only
• No motorcycles
• Authorised vehicles only
• Barbecues must be supervised at all times and extinguished before disposal
• Organised events must be agreed in advance with the Parks and Countryside Activities Team
• Cycling is only allowed on surfaced paths and designated areas
• Ball games must not be played on bowling greens or between flower beds
• Do not enter water unless part of an authorised WLCT event (Strictly no swimming)
• No fires
• Adults should drink responsibly, no under aged drinking
• Your behaviour must not cause a nuisance to others
• Golf is only allowed on designated golf courses and driving ranges
• Drugs are not allowed
• Cyclists should ride at an appropriate speed and show consideration for other park users
• Noise must be kept to acceptable levels, especially after 9pm (unless part of an authorised licensed event)
• No Graffiti
• No camping
• No damage to any part of the park
• No fireworks (other than as part of an authorised licensed event)
• Agencies responsible for managing the park will take action against anyone breaking the park rules
• Animals, birds and their habitats and nests are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981