NEW vigilante groups are springing up in opposition to the 8ft hoarding around the historic top site of Crystal Palace park.

Following the Christmas campaign by the self-styled Crystal Palace Park Liberation Front, fresh graffiti was painted last week by a group calling itself the Concerned Residents' Association.

The 8ft-high message read: "The council work for us, right??"

Community groups say Bromley Council's refusal to address the controversial issue will "inevitably" lead to a rise in direct action.

But Bromley's leisure spokesman Brian Turpin says the council treats this the same as graffiti "anywhere else in the borough", rather than as a political statement.

He added: "It's like any other anti-social behaviour. We talk regularly with local groups and have improved access to the rest of the park.

"The security fence is a temporary measure until the further use of the site is agreed."

At a "stakeholders" consultation meeting in November, the council heard residents' objections to the £20,000 hoarding. Another meeting is due to be held on February 11.

Ward councillor Chris Gaster did not rule out the Liberal Democrat group could "taking a stand" on the issue.

Cllr Gaster added: "Clearly this fence was a mistake. The sensible thing to do is have further discussions with groups."

January 28, 2003 12:00