Mosquito is new buzz word in lout control

Mosquitoes are buzzing in Oldham’s parks — and now the council has drawn up a set of rules to control them.

They are not insects, but sound devices which emit a high-pitched noise to deter young trouble-makers from hanging around.

One was successfully introduced in Failsworth Higher Memorial Park after trouble with youngsters on the bowling green. Now they are also in Copster, Royton, Dunwood and Chadderton parks, controlled by timers.

There has been a considerable reduction in levels of damage, nuisance and associated costs in the parks since the £300 devices were installed. But a new set of rules has been drawn up to make sure they are only used as a last resort when all other interventions have failed.

The devices give off high frequency, 75 decibel sounds which are annoying to people under the age of 25 years because the ability to hear high frequencies deteriorates with age.

The new rules have been drawn up because nationally there have been challenges to the mosquitoes on the grounds of infringing human rights of young people indiscriminately.

But a council report points out: “A person would have to make a conscious decision to trespass in a closed park in order to come into proximity with the devices.”

Oldham police also support the mosquitoes, but say they must be used carefully so as not to criminalise the legal use of open spaces by young people.

Former councillor Barbara Dawson was chairman of the Friends of Failsworth Higher Memorial Park when the device was fitted and said: “The reports said that it was very effective.”

Councillor Mark Alcock, cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, said: “The new rules make sure they are only used as a last resort. There are lots of other things we can do and the police can target areas.

“I am told that where they have been used they are very effective, but we did have concerns so that is why we have come back with a proper framework.”