New stricter measures to be put in place at Endcliffe Park to prevent recent 'unpleasant scenes'

Park-goers were blasted at the end of March when they left copious amounts of litter behind in the park, leading to a massive clear up operation from the council and volunteers.

The fire service and police were also called throughout the day as fires and fights broke out.

Now, the council have implemented stricter measures and patrols as large amounts of litter are still being left behind in the park and there have been issues with noise and urinating.

The new measures include the driveway carpark being closed daily at 5pm, toilet opening hours increased to 6.45pm everyday, and Covid marshals will continue to patrol and advise in good weather and early evenings.

As well as this, additional bins will be added with more frequent emptying and South Yorkshire Police will provide additional presence based on weather forecasts and intelligence reports.

Ruth Bell, head of parks and countryside at Sheffield City Council, said: “It was great to see so many people enjoying the sunshine in our parks during the first bout of hot weather earlier this month, but the scenes the morning after were not so pleasant.

“Our hard-working staff and volunteers did an amazing job clearing up, and the public reaction that followed from local people was very encouraging.

“We’ve stepped up measures and are doing everything possible to keep on top of waste issues and we have already seen a significant improvement since then. The extra changes we’ve put in place along with our partnership work with the local policing team will hopefully contribute to continued improvements in the park.

“We ask everyone to take pride in our wonderful green spaces and show respect to our staff and other park visitors by doing their bit to help us keep them looking lovely for everyone to enjoy.”

Wherever possible people are asked to crush or stack packaging before bagging or binning to make more room in the bins.

Anyone visiting Sheffield’s parks should put rubbish in the bins provided or take it home with them to put in their own bins and recycle.

Superintendent Simon Verrall of South Yorkshire Police said: “As lockdown restrictions lift, we want everyone to make the most of what our fantastic city has to offer, including our parks and green spaces, but I am reminding people to please do this responsibly.

“Our officers are working really hard alongside Sheffield City Council to ensure measures are in place to prevent the scenes in Endcliffe Park happening again.

“We have already implemented some changes and this work will continue in the coming months. You will continue to see officers on patrol in local parks and I’d encourage you to stop and speak to them, raise any concerns you might have and work with us.”

South Yorkshire Police are also working to address concerns over anti-social behaviour and drug supply, and the neighbourhood policing team are in consultation with residents, local councillors and parks team to develop disruption plans and longer term interventions.