Call for improved open air design

Better design and more engagement with the public is needed to "reclaim" parks and public spaces amid rising crime and anti-social behaviour, a government quango claimed this week. A policy note from Cabe Space says that adopting measures such as CCTV and security gates without considering the overall design and care of public space will result in the creation of "ugly, oppressive environments that can foster greater social problems". Preventing Anti-Social Behaviour in Public Spaces is available from www.cabespace.org.uk.