Ku-ring-gai Council says it will step up efforts to combat vandalism and anti-social behaviour in Pymble after allegations of a street gang operating in the area.
The Council voted this week to approve measures aimed at making the Robert Pymble Park and surrounding shops safer, following a string of vandalism and anti-social behaviour incidents in recent months.
Residents have raised allegations with Councillors that a street gang is congregating in the park at the corner of Alma Avenue and Park Crescent Pymble, approaching members of the public in a threatening manner.
Mayor Anderson said some of the allegations, which included alleged sexual assaults, were a police matter. “However, there are practical steps that the Council can take to make this area safer for residents and passers-by and we will be acting on these as a matter of urgency.”
Among the measures the Council voted to approve were improved lighting in the park and surrounding area, making the park a no-alcohol zone and locking public facilities such as the tennis courts and toilets at night.
Mayor Anderson said the Council would also seek an urgent meeting with local police and MPs to discuss safety in the area.
“One thing I would like to see is an increased police presence in the area to enforce any alcohol ban we bring in”, she said.
A further report on when the measures will come into effect will be presented at the next available Council meeting.
