Significant safety upgrades are being delivered at Sconce and Devon Park

Last year, £70,000 was awarded to the District Council by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner as part of a wider package of target‑hardening measures across Newark town centre. Around £45,000 of this investment is being directed into Sconce and Devon Park, particularly at the Farndon Road entrance, where issues such as unauthorised vehicle access, caravans, horse and traps, and late‑night gatherings have been reported in recent years.

The new gating will help prevent these incursions, safeguarding the site for residents and visitors who enjoy the park throughout the year.

The latest investment follows a series of improvements delivered by the District Council that have strengthened Sconce and Devon Park’s position as a high-quality, family-friendly and accessible green space. Recent enhancements include the creation of the Forest Schools classroom in the Holt, a new castle-themed children’s play area, fitness equipment, and ongoing environmental and habitat improvement works.

Councillor Paul Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and Community Relations at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “Sconce and Devon Park is one of our district’s most valued green spaces, and it’s fantastic to see continued investment that protects it for everyone who uses it. These new security measures will help tackle issues we’ve seen with unauthorised access and anti-social behaviour, ensuring the park remains a safe, welcoming and enjoyable place for families, dog walkers, sports groups and visitors.

“We know how valued this green space is within the community, and these works reflect our commitment to keeping it safe, well‑maintained, and welcoming for the long term.”

In addition to the works at Sconce and Devon Park, the remaining funding will support further community safety measures, including enhancements to town-centre Wi‑Fi that will strengthen the resilience and reliability of Newark’s CCTV network. It has also enabled Nottinghamshire Police to expand their use of knife wands as part of wider efforts to reduce knife crime.

These initiatives align with the arrival of the Knife Angel, an internationally recognised sculpture created from more than 100,000 seized blades, in the spring. The installation is being brought to the town through partnership working between Newark and Sherwood District Council, We Are Newark, and You Can Do Sport. It will form part of a wider programme of community engagement and education designed to spark meaningful conversations around safety, choices, and the consequences of knife crime.