Agree to code of conduct if you want to use Thatcham parks

The measure has been put into place after members of the council raised concern about the number of incidents recorded by the neighbourhood wardens in their monthly reports.
Figures from the past six months revealed that dog fouling was a continuous problem, with the wardens having to clear up between 174 and 299 incidents each month.
Drug paraphernalia being left in parks is also an issue, with incidents being recorded every month. In January, the wardens were called out to remove drug-related items more than 60 times.
Graffiti also continues to be a problem, as is litter. Wardens say that in January there were more than 60 separate incidents where it took more than one sack to clear rubbish.
The wardens made either a written or verbal report or phone call to Thames Valley Police at least once every month for the past six months, and in December and February police were notified of at least 10 separate incidents.
The town council hopes that by introducing a code of conduct, it will deter some people from acting thoughtlessly.
Notices pointing out the code will be placed in all parks in the town telling people what standards of behaviour are expected of them.
The signs will state that by entering the play areas, people agree to abide by the rules to not use foul or abusive language, to be considerate to neighbours and keep the noise down, to not damage property and equipment, to use the litter bins provided, to share the equipment, and to clean up after their dogs.
The vice-chairman of the recreation and amenities committee, Owen Jeffery (Lib Dem, Thatcham South and Crookham), who was chairing the meeting last week, said that the code of conduct had been drawn up to encourage people to behave.
He said: “It would reinforce the ability to challenge; to say that’s not the right way to behave.”
Town councillor Netty Austin (Lib Dem, Thatcham central) agreed, adding: “Hopefully, it will be a bit of a deterrent”.
However, not all town councillors were convinced. Town and district councillor, Dominic Boeck (Con, Thatcham South and Crookham) said: “We might as well say ‘please don't commit crime’.
“This is no silver bullet; they are not going to stop when they see a sign.”
The town council agreed to spend about £375 on 15 signs.
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