News

New CCTV approved for vandalised 19th Century Bestwood County Park lodges

By Lauren Monaghan, Junior Local Democracy Reporter

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A pair of Victorian lodges in Bestwood Country Park are due to get new CCTV cameras after “prolonged and sustained” vandalism and break-ins.

Nottinghamshire County Council submitted plans to Gedling Borough Council in March to install security cameras at the park’s Alexandra Lodge.

These plans were approved last Thursday (May 29).

Alexandra Lodge is a Grade II-listed pair of Victorian lodges built in the 1860s by S.S. Teulon for the 10th Duke of St Albans.

It was restored in 1983 and acts as a main entrance into the grounds and woodland of Bestwood Lodge.

They are connected by a central archway over North Lodge Drive and were built in connection with Bestwood Lodge Hotel.

The structure is currently used by park rangers and has a classroom to the right, which is used for training.

Planning documents state a “prolonged and sustained problem of vandalism, break-ins, building damage and anti-social behaviour” at the building.

Four separate police reports between 2022 and 2024 detail incidents which accrued over £25,000 in costs, “with numerous additional reports of vandalism and attempted break-ins,” according to documents.

Papers say the incidents have highlighted the “vulnerability” of the historic site.

Now, seven “visually discrete” CCTV cameras will be installed at the site to help reduce these antisocial and damaging events.

Papers say “these aims will all better help sustain the long-term conservation and continued use of the building,” along with safeguarding the fabric of the building and any repair costs as a result of damage.