Haringey Council says it is moving to reassure residents and users of Downhills Park follow the spate of attacks last year

Haringey Council has moved to put in place “positive measures to improve safety” at a Tottenham park that has suffered persistent vandalism for several months.

Representatives of the local friends group for Downhills Park met with local councillors and council officials last week in response to vandalism that includes the repeated smearing of excrement over play equipment in the park.

Emily Arkell, cabinet member for culture and leisure, joined the meeting at the park to reassure users and people who live nearby about the “strong measures” that have been put in place following the vandalism and antisocial behaviour.

It also represented a chance for “collaboration and dialogue” between the council and local residents.

Cllr Arkell was joined by officers from the council’s parks team and deputy leader Sarah Williams. Downhills Park is located within Cllr Williams’ West Green ward.

Cllr Arkell said: “It was a real pleasure for Cllr Williams and I to meet representatives of the local community in Downhills Park today and discuss with them the latest developments in the park as well as our future plans for it.

“It was a positive meeting and I hope they came away reassured that we take these incidents very seriously and are continuing to do everything in our power to prevent any prospective recurrence going forward. The public health, safety and welfare of our park users remains very important to us.

“We are supporting the police with their ongoing investigation into this matter after a man was arrested and released on bail in connection with these incidents earlier this month, pending further inquiries.

“Our parks and green, open spaces are a real source of pride to us at Haringey and our parks team work tirelessly to maintain them to the highest standards. I will continue to meet with local residents and the friends group to ensure we deal with any concerns moving forward.”

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