How we’re making Rice Lane Rec a safer place for everyone
After years of campaigning, I’m happy to share the news that CCTV will be installed in Rice Lane Recreation Ground this month; helping to make our community’s only green, open space safer for everyone.
Rice Lane Rec is used by hundreds of people every week, whether they’re walking through to catch the first or last train from Rice Lane Station, playing football, keeping fit, attending one of our detached youth work sessions, or walking their dog; it’s a place people should feel happy, safe, and welcome in.
So, where did the campaign begin?
In 2006 I helped set up Rice Lane Residents Group, with like-minded people who wanted to make a positive difference in our community. One of the main priorities for people was to see The Rec become a safer and more accessible place for everyone to use.
I worked with local children in Rice Lane School, and we created a scale model of the park; then we toured it around the area, asking people to plan for real. I spent time talking to resident groups, youth groups, schools, the scouts, play-schemes about what they wanted to see in our greenspace.
There were ideas for new play equipment, goal posts, a nature trail through the trees, benches, wildflowers, trees and events. Priorities that came up time and again were keeping The Rec clean (installing extra bins) and safe (installing CCTV).
Over the years I’ve steadily worked to install fencing and gates to stop cars and scrambler bikes from accessing the park making it safer for pedestrians.
We’ve planted wildflowers with Rice Lane Primary School and Scouse Flowerhouse. We’ve had lots of brilliant community events bringing neighbours together on The Rec and in the Rose Garden.
There have been setbacks too. Over the years there has been criminal damage to play equipment as well as new trees and benches destroyed. But we always keep going and I’m delighted that after working with the Council, our new play equipment will be going into the park next month and the fire-damaged equipment will be removed.
Making The Rec safer has always been the priority. We began by increasing City Watch patrols through the park at weekends, and at key times throughout the year.
And now, after sixteen years, CCTV will be installed in August and fully operational by September.
Sometimes you can work and achieve a priority in a few weeks, months, or a year and sometimes you must pursue a priority for your community with relentless determination and even when you think it’s never going to happen or just want to give up and give in if you keep pushing you can get there and deliver for the people you represent.
Do you want to get involved in making good things happen in Rice Lane Rec? Get in touch! Ann.O’Byrne@liverpool.gov.uk
