“Selfish idiots” have been blamed for rowdy scenes in Walker Park, with Newcastle MP Mary Glindon urging police and council authorities to adopt a “zero-tolerance approach” to anti-social behaviour in the area.
The Labour MP, who represents Newcastle East and Wallsend, said the problem has “worsened considerably over the summer”, with yobs setting off fireworks in the park and a fire reported in the bin shed of the café on 24 August. She said: “If you give an inch then selfish idiots will take a mile. I have convened a meeting between local people and the police to urge them to do more to stop the park being abused by yobs. A zero-tolerance approach is needed to return the park to its peaceful and social purposes at the heart of the local community.”
One local resident told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that fireworks and young people riding motorbikes through the park had created an “intimidating” atmosphere, making it difficult for families and other visitors to enjoy the facilities.
Newcastle City Council said it recognised the concerns and wanted Walker Park to remain a place “residents could be proud of”. The council added it had worked with local groups to shape investment plans and had recently carried out a survey to gather views on how to improve safety and deter further incidents. While it acknowledged long-standing problems with anti-social behaviour, it said there had been no official reports of fireworks in recent months.
Insp Craig Patchett, of Northumbria Police’s Byker and Walker Neighbourhood Policing Team, confirmed that summer months typically see a rise in anti-social behaviour. He said enhanced patrols had already been carried out in the park to tackle the issue.
Walker Park has long been a valued green space in the East End, originally created to give shipyard and colliery workers somewhere to relax and take part in sport. Today, it features two bowling greens and a pavilion, two football pitches, a multi-use games area, a skate park and a children’s play area. It is also home to the Grade II Listed World War One memorial, dedicated to the 5th Northumberland Fusiliers, which remains a focal point for the annual remembrance service.
The park’s mix of leisure facilities and family activities has made it popular with local residents. Regular ranger-led events, such as bug safaris, kite making and bird box building, provide opportunities for children and families to connect with nature. Community projects like Walker Parks Rocks, a family-friendly rock painting and hiding activity, have also encouraged residents to use and enjoy the park positively.
Set in the historic suburb of Walker, the park has received investment in recent years, including improvements to paths and access routes. It was awarded Green Flag status in 2019, highlighting its importance as a safe and welcoming community space.
However, the recent concerns around Walker Park anti-social behaviour demonstrate how quickly such facilities can be undermined by reckless activity. For local families, the challenge is balancing the park’s role as a hub of recreation and remembrance with the need for stronger action against the minority who disrupt it.
Glindon’s call for a tougher response has placed pressure on both police and the council to deliver reassurance that Walker Park can once again serve its intended purpose – as a place of peace, leisure and community pride in Newcastle’s East End.
