Conservative candidate Kate Vaughan – the only female contender – is claiming credit for securing measures that will protect Chester’s Grosvenor Park from acts of anti-social behaviour following its £3.6m refurbishment.

This follows concerns expressed by residents who live around the park.

Kate, 33, who is originally from Australia but has lived in the UK for eight years, said: “Local people called for action to deal with the problems caused by a small number of people.

“I raised these concerns directly with the leader of the council and together we met with local residents to address these problems.

“Within three days, a robust plan was put in place which includes strong measures aimed at tackling these issues with immediate effect.”

Measures include:

  • A security firm will now lock the gates at 9pm every day.
  • Prior to locking the gate the security company will check everyone has left. If park users refuse to leave the police will be called.
  • During the summer, two police officers will be present every afternoon and evening in The Groves and Grosvenor Park area.
  • A newly-appointed Grosvenor Park co-ordination officer will oversee these changes.

If elected, Kate will campaign for a CCTV camera to track anti-social behaviour and criminal incidents in the park and ensure the area is managed by police and safety wardens.

Kate, a governor at St Martin’s Academy in Hoole and Acresfield Primary School in Upton, added: “As your councillor, this is precisely the sort of prompt action I will take to get practical solutions on the problems faced by residents. I will always make sure we get the best for Boughton.”

Kate works as office manager for city MP Stephen Mosley and lives just outside the Boughton ward in Hoole Lane with her boyfriend and two cats.

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