Wakefield Council to debate calls for more CCTV in public parks over safety concerns
Councillors have been asked to support a motion to step up surveillance due to”vandalism, illicit activities, public safety concerns.”
Last updated 21st Nov 2025
More CCTV cameras could be installed in public parks across the Wakefield district over concerns for public safety.
Councillors have been asked to support a motion to step up surveillance due to”vandalism, illicit activities, public safety concerns.”
Nadiah Sharp, independent councillor for Wrenthorpe and Outwood West, has called for a review of security camera coverage at green spaces across the local authority area to identify “hotspots of concern.”
Coun Sharp said: “We recognise the importance of ensuring that our public parks remain safe, welcoming and accessible spaces for families, children and individuals of all ages.
“Public parks are vital community assets, offering space for recreation, physical activity and community connection.
“However, ongoing issues such as vandalism, illicit behaviour, and personal safety concerns have been raised by residents and park users.”
Coun Sharp said an increased camera presence would act as a deterrent and could be used during investigations when incidents are reported.
She added: “CCTV must be implemented with consideration to privacy, cost-effectiveness and actual need.
“This motion seeks to ensure a balanced and strategic approach to improving safety in our public spaces.”
The motion calls for council officers to prepare a report outlining locations in parks that currently lack CCTV coverage and to consider the cost implications of installing technology.
It also requests Outwood Park be prioritised following completion of the study.
The issue of safety in public parks was raised two years ago by Tony Wallis, the former chair of the council’s climate change and environmental wellbeing scrutiny committee.
Coun Wallis told a meeting that children were “terrified” to visit public parks due to anti-social behaviour.
He said he had heard of the problems during a meeting with students at Castleford Academy.
The Labour councillor for Castleford Central and Glasshoughton said: “Although it was a pleasant meeting, I was surprised to hear how so many are scared of going into parks.”
Mr Wallis said he had asked them to rate, on a scale of one to five, how they felt about visiting Castleford town centre and local parks, with one being “terrified” and five “not a problem.”
“Most said three for the town centre, but for parks they all said one. I was just taken aback about just how scared they were,” he said.
“It really was surprising and I think we need to do something about it.”
Mr Wallis said he was concerned the issue had become a “district-wide problem.”