Gates to remain open at troublesome Dundee park

25/02/2009

Gates will not be closed at Dundee's Baxter Park even though there have been recent disturbances there, it has emerged.

A spokesperson from the council's leisure and communities department confirmed that the gates will remain open through the night to remain in line with the law and council policy, the local publication the Evening Telegraph and Post reported.

"There are no plans to close the gates because the park is widely used by the public and access has to be maintained for all who use it," the spokesperson told the news provider.

Baxter Park was officially opened in 1863, the same year that David Baxter, who the park is named after, received a knighthood.

The opening event was attended by between 30,000 and 60,000 people, with Lord Russell making a speech on the day.

A statue of Sir David Baxter was located in the sandstone pavilion at the park but had to be removed because of vandalism in 1894, which could hint that some protective gates were needed.