The main entrances to a city centre park are being closed and locked at night in a bid to cut anti-social behaviour.

A 12-month trial was introduced by the city council yesterday (Wednesday) at the Dane John Gardens in Canterbury, which has been blighted by crime, vandalism and drug abuse.

The move follows complaints by members of the St Mildred’s Area Community Society about the problems, which have now led to new gates being installed at five of the park’s eight entrances.

They will be closed between 10pm and 4am every night.

The closure is being run as an experimental traffic regulation order.

The first six months of the trial are a consultation period, and the council is inviting Dane John residents’ views as well as anyone else be affected.

The council says it is not possible to fully secure the park, but hopes the new gates will act as a deterrent.

They cost £10,000 and have been paid for with Section 106 developer contributions. But they are being locked and opened by Club Chemistry security staff at no extra cost.

Chairman of the council’s community committee Cllr Neil Baker said: “Closing some entrances to the Dane John at night could help to reduce anti-social behaviour, but in order to find out if this really is the case, we need to get on and actually do it.

“I would encourage everyone who is affected by this to let us know what they think. The public’s view will be vital when we come to decide whether the closure will be made permanent at the end of the trial.”

The council is also working on a package of improvements for the gardens, including a new play area, lighting and pathways. It wants to establish a friends’ support group, similar to that which has benefited the Westgate Parks.

Council spokesman Rob Davies said: “It remains our ambition to secure a Green Flag for the Dane John in the next couple of years.

“We are in the process of establishing a Friends group and a full management plan for the park.”

For more information visit canterbury.gov.uk/consultations.

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