Young people do not feel safe using parks, according to a report.

The Physical Activity and Health Scrutiny Working Group explored the scale of inactivity in the borough and its impact in a report presented to Redbridge cabinet at Redbridge Town Hall, in Ilford, yesterday.

The report found young people did not want to use parks for physical activity due to concerns over crime and that many residents misinterpreted outdoor play as anti-social behaviour.

Last year, a survey found that of 164 people, 47 per cent said they felt unsafe in the evening when in parks and residents said they wanted a more visible police presence.

The report said: “Many young people feel increasingly unsafe in the borough’s parks and open spaces.

“They felt that parks in Redbridge had become a quiet and easy place for crime to occur and parks are not used by young people in general as a result.

 “Outdoor play such as football and other ball games has provoked concern from some residents and is sometimes considered anti-social behaviour.

“There is clearly a need to foster a closer relationship with the borough’s police and young people.”

Park policing is carried out by Redbridge Community Policing Team, who can be contacted regarding incidents of crime taking place in parks.

Lib Dem Cllr Hugh Cleaver of the Church End ward, and the group’s chair, said: “One of the main things we found in the report is that young people are reluctant to go and use parks as there is a perception that parks are unsafe.

“Police need to do more to ensure people feel safer in parks.”

The Redbridge Community Policing can be contacted on 07904 640 042 while in an emergency 999 should be called.