Safety in our parks

Published: 7 January, 2011

• NO one should feel they have to avoid their local park because they feel unsafe, which is why I have launched my Safer Parks Award.

Safer parks are those well used by everyone in the community whether to jog, dog walk, picnic, or just enjoy a better quality of life. Similar to a beach blue flag or kite mark, a Safer Park Award will recognise those organisations and local communities that have already taken successful action to reduce anti-social behaviour, imp­roving how residents and guests to the capital can enjoy London’s great outdoors. It will also provide standards for other parks to aspire to.

The award (bronze, silver or gold) will take the form of a plaque to be displayed in a winning park and will be announced annually. 

It will offer reassur­ance as a recom­menda­tion for those who want to make the most of their local or favourite park.

Encourage your local authority or a “friends of” organisation to apply for a Safer Park Award. Entries close on January 31. Go to www.london. gov.uk/ and search safer parks.  

BORIS JOHNSON
Mayor of London