Written question asked by Stephen Hesford (Labour) on Wednesday, 7 May 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 9 May 2008. It was answered by Parmjit Dhanda (Labour) on Monday, 2 June 2008 on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Playgrounds: Vandalism

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many public playgrounds have been closed due to vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the last four years; and what steps her Department is taking to address this matter.

Answer: Information on the number of public playgrounds that have been closed in the past four years due to vandalism and antisocial behaviour is not held centrally.There are a range of measures available to local agencies to deal with antisocial behaviour committed in and around playgrounds or any other public place. Antisocial behaviour tools and powers are normally used in an incremental way and should always be used in a way that is proportionate to the behaviour committed. Warnings, acceptable behaviour contracts (ABCs), dispersal orders, parenting contracts and orders are normally used to tackle low-level antisocial behaviour. For more serious cases of antisocial behaviour, antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) may be used.

Secondary information