IN APRIL 2011the County Gazette reported on the town’s treasured park being blighted by litter and yob abuse.

Back then, the issue was raised by the chair of the Friends of Vivary Park, Shaun Cregan.

Here is the article from the Gazette: A tough message has gone out to yobs leaving litter and swearing at passers-by in Taunton’s Vivary Park – the town’s jewel in the crown.

Rubbish has been left around the park, and abuse levelled at park workers and visitors.

Wendy Stirling, of nearby Mount Street, said: “It’s a beautiful park and we feel privileged to live here, but the amount of rubbish is appalling – food containers, bottles, packages, even clothes – and the language is quite intimidating.

“My husband, Richard, and I went out and started to clear it up one day. He asked them to pick up their litter, and one of the girls started and was ready for a good battle.

“It’s so abusive to treat the park like that – it’s a great public asset.”

Shaun Cregan, chairman of the Friends of Vivary Park, said he was aware of the problems and was working with the parks department to address it.

“The litter is collected first thing in the morning and a couple of times a day, especially at weekends.

“There are sufficient bins in the park, but unfortunately people aren’t using them – it’s adults as well as young people.

“We want people to enjoy themselves in the park, but we request that they use the bins.”

Mr Cregan said a gardener spends 2½ hours every morning clearing up litter. Consideration is being given to clamping down on the unruly litterbugs with £70 on the spot fines, while police officers and PCSOs are carrying out regular patrols.

A spokesman for Taunton Deane Council, which is responsible for the park, said: “We clean it twice a day and it’s a seven-day-a-week operation.

“Obviously there are a lot more people in the park at present due to school holidays and lovely weather.

“Please enjoy the park, but please bin your litter or take it home. Don’t let litter spoil the park for everyone’.”