Residents have reported increased anti-social behaviour and even despicable attacks on the wildlife at Priory Gardens in recent weeks.
I have been liaising to improve site safety and protect animal welfare since stories of violence against a swan nest and even the killing of a young cygnet circulated during the summer of 2020. An increase in security measures by the police and Bromley Council later led to two minors being arrested for attacks against the animals.
I previously called for more CCTV and signage to help deter any such cruelty from being committed. I am pleased that a new CCTV camera has been approved, alongside new signs detailing offences and warning of police prosecution. Together, Bromley and the police have installed new Public Space Protection Order signs which mean that enforcement teams can now issue on-the-spot-fines for breaches.
These are very welcome steps forward, and on behalf of residents I would like to thank our local police teams, Bromley staff and Cllrs Botting and Tunnicliffe for their hard work.
The police have reassured me that there is a patrol of Priory Gardens during every tour of duty and that these were increased over school holidays. They continue to collaborate with Bromley’s enforcement team to ensure that the grounds are secured during the evenings. I am pleased that there is proactive engagement with the community through neighbourhood ward panels and also delivering a number of talks to local schools about these incidents.
I look forward to working with residents and our dedicated police to ensure that the Gardens remain safe.