PARENTS have backed plans to improve security in a city centre park in a bid to finally shake off its reputation as “a haven for crime, drugs and anti-social behaviour”.

More CCTV, lighting and larger bins are being brought in at The Level in Brighton which has been the subject of parental concerns for the safety of children using it.

The new safety measures will be introduced over the next few weeks following a security review by Sussex Police.

The move is in addition to recent improvements which have included reinforced windows for the community pavilion.

Parents, who have complained about incidents of violence and drug use at the park despite its £2.2 million makeover in 2013, welcomed the investment but complained that it had taken too long to be brought in.

Improvements will include increasing lighting near to the park’s fountains at a cost of £3,500 while an additional police CCTV camera will be attached to its column bringing the total in operation around the park to 13.

The sides of two play units will be reduced to half the height with a more open slatted design to improve visibility of children on the equipment and interlopers who should not be there.

It is also hoped additional council and police funding can extend the full-time park manager role to work weekends allowing them to carry out daily inspections and maintenance through the busy summer.

Recent improvements have included litter picks and playground inspections at weekends as well as increased police visits and patrols with sniffer dogs.

Community safety concerns have remained an issue at the park despite its extensive makeover four years ago with police officers still dealing with violent attacks, drug dealing, all-night parties and street drinking on an almost daily basis.

One parent, who did not wished to be named, said he was playing with his two-year-old in the park’s children’s playground when he was confronted by an aggressive teenager.

He said: “Unfortunately The Level is not the best park to go to with the kids.

“There are just so many street drinkers with their dogs off leads.

“You don’t have to be there long to see drug dealing in the day,

“I can’t imagine walking through there at night.

“It does have great potential and they have spent all that money.

“It is good to see they are doing something and hopefully it will have some benefit but unless people are caught in the act, you can’t just tell a load of people to clear off.”

Maureen Winder, of the Triangle Community Group said: “We were very concerned around Christmas and New Year about community safety but recently we have had reassurances from police. It is a place where people in difficult circumstances go but also attracts some people with bad intentions.

“It was such a big project [the restoration] that I think it lost its way a little. People did not think about the implications of attracting so many to the park.

“Our group warned at the time about the risks of large scale gatherings and bringing the wrong sort of people in but the most important thing is people are now listening to what the problems are.”

Councillor Lee Wares, Conservative environment spokesman, said it was “very disappointing” The Level had became a haven for crime, drug and alcohol abuse and anti-social behaviour and he hoped the latest initiatives would make it “a vibrant and safe place for everybody”.

He added: “The problems at The Level are not unique and we hope such initiatives will be replicated throughout the city including places such as Pavilion Gardens and the often forgotten suburbs.

“We also hope that lessons learnt from The Level are fully taken into account with the proposed Valley Gardens project.

“It would be a travesty if we see what happened at The Level repeat itself.”

Councillor Gill Mitchell, environment committee chairwoman, said: “Community safety at The Level is an ongoing issue and the council works closely with the police, community groups and park users to identify problems, tackle anti-social behaviour and improve safety.”

A council spokeswoman said the park’s redesign had garnered support from a wide range of professionals for its capacity to limit vandalism and anti-social behaviour but some initial lighting required replacement or enhancement because of wear and tear and deliberate abuse.

She added: “Prior to The Level restoration project, and investment from the Heritage Lottery Fund, city council, Sports Council and Veolia, The Level was in serious decline, loved by almost no one and a haven for misbehaviour, with no full time staff.”