Benches installed in Palace Gates Triangle

Posted by YM on April 30, 2025 at 12:33am in Policing, community safety, anti-social behaviour

Though these benches/chair/tables were installed in the spirit of community (etc), is it not the case thatthe triangle has become a hangoout for all sorts of miscreants? I see and smell drug use (and alcohol misuse) almost every other day, not to mention loud music and conversation from people who don't live near the place. + event nights when its full of drunk revellers.

I cannot fault the good intentions behind but I think its time to call time on it.

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Replies

Michael Solomon Williams May 13, 2025 at 11:41pm

Hello Y,

I would suggest that there might be a balance to be struck. For example, the benefits of the tree bench surely significantly outweigh the disbenefits - it is used primarily during the day, by people of all ages for all sorts of reasons. There is a real issue, with council funding completely squeezed, of a lack of places for the elderly and disabled to rest. There was previously nowhere for people to sit when waiting for a bus. Now it is a source of assitance, gathering and happiness for many.

I would suggest that the back of the triangle is a different matter. For that reason I have removed all of the barrels which were put there. The picnic table is nice, but perhaps a mixed blessing, and it is perhaps not necessary for people to flytip chairs there.

I might suggest that the table and chairs at the back be cleared and, at most, perhaps a simple, solid, single bench be fitted along the back, such as there apparently used to be. If, however, this is deemed more negative than positive, perhaps we needn't bother. The tree bench itself appears already to have been a significant improvement.

I do think there are two distinct areas, however, and it might be interesting to see what the impact would be if the back were cleared away. It would of course then help with more space for positive community events.

All of these things will be easier to organise and improve once the residents' association is back up and running - do get involved!

Best wishes,

Michael

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