Neath Port Talbot Council has announced plans to conduct a trial where local parks across the county borough will be left open overnight to help reduce costs. The decision was made during a council cabinet meeting on November 13, with the aim of exploring ways to enhance efficiency and resource management within the neighbourhood services team. Currently, staff members are required to open and close parks and gardens in the area every day, but various parks have unintentionally remained open in recent months due to staffing issues. Despite concerns at Skewen Park, there has been no noted increase in anti-social behaviour during these instances.
The official pilot for leaving parks and gardens open at night is set to begin on December 1, 2024, and run for a four-month period until April 1, 2025. During this time, pedestrian gates will be accessible 24 hours a day, while vehicle gates and bollards will still be in place to restrict vehicular access. The council estimates potential annual savings of approximately £5,000 from this initiative, with staff members responsible for gate operations being reassigned to playground management. Moreover, making this pilot a permanent arrangement could help mitigate risks faced by staff working alone at night, as there has been a rise in instances of verbal and physical confrontation when asking the public to leave parks at closing time.
The pilot project received approval from the council cabinet, who hope that it will provide valuable insights into the impact of keeping these public spaces open overnight. The move is part of the council’s broader efforts to operate more efficiently and effectively manage resources in the face of budget constraints. By adjusting park closing procedures, the council aims to achieve cost savings while maintaining public safety and accessibility. This decision aligns with the council’s commitment to adapt and innovate in response to evolving challenges and community needs.
While concerns about potential anti-social behaviour remain, the council is optimistic about the benefits of this pilot project in terms of financial savings and staff safety. By reallocating resources from park gate operations to playground management, the council seeks to enhance services for residents while optimising operational efficiency. The success of this trial could pave the way for long-term changes in park management strategies, benefiting both the council and the local community. Stay tuned for updates on the progress and outcomes of this innovative initiative in Neath Port Talbot.
The decision to trial leaving parks open overnight is a significant step towards improving resource management and operational efficiency for Neath Port Talbot Council. This innovative approach, aimed at reducing costs while maintaining public safety, reflects the council’s commitment to adaptive governance and community service excellence. As the pilot project commences in December, residents and stakeholders can look forward to a comprehensive evaluation of its impact on park accessibility, staff safety, and cost-effectiveness. Follow along for further developments on this groundbreaking initiative and its implications for local governance and public services.