Authorities join forces to stamp out fires and barbecues on Olney sports ground.
Anti-social behaviour, drinking alcohol, lighting fires and barbecues and other concerns are being halted on a Milton Keynes town’s recreation ground this summer.
The clamp down comes following a partnership meeting last month instigated by Debbie Whitworth, Mayor of Olney.
At the meeting were Olney Town Council, Milton Keynes City Council, Thames Valley Police and Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, who addressed ongoing concerns about anti-social behaviour on the town’s so-called ‘Rec’.
The green space, which is maintained by Olney Town Council, has proved a popular place for visitors especially during the summer months. In 2020 The Times newspaper listed Olney’s recreational ground, riverside spaces and Victorian bathing steps as a top place to visit for ‘wild swimming’.
But residents have been left fuming every year by day-trippers’ inconsiderate parking, litter, drunkenness and anti-social behaviour. It even led to the town’s Mayor having to call an extraordinary meeting in 2022, to approve proposals to help deal with the problem.
Last month’s ‘partnership’ meeting set out to head off any problems in advance by addressing many of the issues surrounding visitors to the green space.
“No barbecues or open fires are permitted on the recreational grounds,” said a police spokesperson. “Any damage caused by fire will be treated seriously and may be investigated as arson.”
Additionally, an alcohol Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) has been put in place on the open area. It means that drinking alcohol on the fields is prohibited, and anyone found breaching the PSPO or engaging in anti-social behaviour could receive a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice.
“We are working together to ensure that the Olney Rec remains a safe and enjoyable space for everyone,” said the spokesperson. “Please respect the rules and report any concerns to the appropriate authority.”
