Bridport Gardens Night Closure Considered Due to Vandalism Issues

Dorset Police wants locks on the borough garden gates. The gardens are off Gundry Lane and police have asked Bridport Town Council about it. This would allow locking the gardens at night.

The council’s committee heard the request and a volunteer group supports this idea. Friends of Borough Gardens agree it is a good idea. Thirteen Magna Housing residences also support it, as their access is only through the gardens.

A resident stated that police get called often but they lack the resources to fix garden problems. These problems impact everyone nearby. She also mentioned that she decorates her house for holidays but vandals damaged her displays.

Drug needles and other hazardous waste disrupt garden use and the situation became dangerous. This was the general sentiment people told the committee.

Magna Housing has right of way through gardens based on a legal deal with the council. However, they haven’t backed the lock idea yet and have reservations about the plan.

Locks and signs are estimated to cost around £350. The council asked Magna to help pay, but Magna isn’t responding positively. The council asked members to approve the idea in principle, so officers can handle the details when approved.

The council approved this request in principle. It depends on detailed plans later and they must resolve Magna Housing right of way first.