A temporary overnight closure of the car park at Alexandra Park in Bath will begin this Saturday, 19th September, in a bid to prevent further damage to the site after a series of incidents.
Bath & North East Somerset Council is trialling the closure due to damage occurring to park facilities on several occasions overnight and a report of parked cars being hit by a speeding vehicle.
From Saturday 19th September, the park will be locked to vehicles each night from 6.30pm to 9.00am, managed by a group of local volunteers.
The park will remain open to pedestrians and the toilets will be open as normal.
The trial is planned to finish at the end of October when the clocks go back.
Signs informing residents of the temporary closure will go up at the entrance to the park and at Bear Flat.
Any car owners who find themselves stranded in the park during closing hours can call the council’s out of hours number, 01225 39 40 41, and an officer will come and let them out.
Drivers are being warned that they may have to wait, which could take up to an hour.
Members of the private bowls club will still have access to the car park overnight.
Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services, said: “This temporary closure of the park is not one we relish having to put in place, however we must act to prevent further damage at the park and any further incidents of dangerous driving at night.
“We are very grateful to the volunteers that have come together so promptly to help us with this, and we hope that people will show the team respect when they’re carrying out their duties.
“Our aim is that the closure will put a stop to the damaging acts and it will therefore not be needed beyond October when the evenings have drawn in.
“We would like to apologise to any allotment holders who travel to their allotments by car who may have to change their usual visiting times.
“Please bear with us during this hopefully short period. We also apologise to all residents for any inconvenience caused.”
