A SECURITY clampdown at Blackpool's Stanley Park got under way this week -- in time for the half term holidays.

With the park set for a lottery funded £5.1 million makeover, Blackpool Council, the Friends of the Park and the police are keen to address nuisance and disorder before restoration begins.

Past school holidays have seen the park blighted by vandalism, underage drinking, graffiti and damage to trees.

The new strategy includes more cover from Police Community Support Officers and covert operations to catch those causing a nuisance. Police will also train council security staff, bye-laws are being reviewed and the Friends are drawing up a new user code of conduct.

Cllr David Owen, Blackpool council's culture and leisure portfolio holder, said: "It is extremely important that people feel secure and safe when using the park and this means increasing the standard and profile of security. We have therefore been looking closely at the working hours of council security staff, have established much closer working links between police and security staff, and very importantly, Friends of Stanley Park are introducing a Park Watch Scheme."

A programme is also being set up to encourage young people to treat the park with greater respect. A community scheme for young offenders and a youth base in the park are also due to begin in September.

Bob Wills, Chairman of the Friends of Stanley Park, added: "Stanley Park Friends group are committed to the development of the park and are particularly supportive of the Heritage Lottery Fund application.

"It is important that security is enhanced within the park and the Friends are keen to play a part within the strategy to make the park a safer place."

Chief Supt Mike Cunningham, added: ""We are very pleased to be part of this initiative. The park should be a place for rest, relaxation and recreation and shouldn't be spoilt by loutishness or signs of crime such as graffiti and vandalism."