Extra measures to support increase in Endcliffe Park visitors

In partnership with South Yorkshire Police, additional measures and patrols will take place in Endcliffe Park to make sure visitors can enjoy spending time there in a clean and safe environment.

Following changes to Government restrictions which allow more people to meet outdoors, we have seen a huge increase in park visitors during peak times. In parks such as Endcliffe this has resulted in issues around littering and antisocial behaviour.

Most people are adhering to social distancing and the rule of six restrictions, as well as treating the park with respect by getting rid of rubbish responsibly. However, following busy periods large amounts of litter are still being left behind and there have been issues with noise and urinating in the park.

To manage these issues staff from Sheffield Parks and Countryside, the council’s enforcement teams and wardens have put in extra measures and are working with South Yorkshire Police to provide extra presence, advice and enforcement. This includes:

• The driveway carpark closed daily at 5pm with signage added 
• Toilet opening hours increased to 6.45pm everyday
• Covid marshals continue to patrol and advise in good weather and early evenings
• Enforcement officers will support the area when possible
• Extra signage about disposing of waste responsibly
• Additional bins and more frequent emptying
• Parking services will monitor the area for parking infringements
• 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. The local neighbourhood policing team are in consultation with residents, local councillors and parks team to develop disruption plans and longer term interventions.  

Following the high volumes of rubbish, and incidents of antisocial behaviour that took place in recent weeks, the increased presence and public backlash has already resulted in big improvements, with more park users taking responsibility for their waste and their actions.

Through this continued partnership approach, it is hoped that improvements will continue throughout the summer.

For more information contact the council's Parks and Countryside service at parksandcountryside@sheffield.gov.uk or call 0114 2500 500.

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