At Orange City Council’s meeting on Tuesday, business operators shared horror experiences at the park.

Sophie Fardell spoke about the free pilates class she tried to run.

“On our first session, we were approached by a man who had been drinking in the park earlier in the day,” she said.

“He approached me and said, ‘We’re going to get a good show here, huh?’.

“He then sat down at the park bench ... and suggested I come join him for a long neck.”

Mrs Fardell said police were called and the session was cancelled, with half of following sessions moved indoors due to similar problems.

Orange Physiotherapy had not renewed the lease for the space this year.

Ryan Stewart said the first day his business opened in McNamara Street, a drug-affected man came into the office, threatened the receptionist with assault and vandalised the office.

MAP: Where is Robertson Park …

“Unfortunately for staff safety reasons, we now have this brand new glass door which is permanently locked, but we’ve never had these issues from the rear car park,” he said.

Councillor Jeff Whitton said the concerns needed further discussion.

“Sure we’re all aware of the problem, but have we done anything is another matter,” he said.

“What can we as a council do to police the park for the community to use?”

Councillor Joanne McRae said her gut swayed her decision on the toilets and the proposed facility was not safe in her view.

“I don’t think I can in all conscience approve a facility that I would not feel safe using,” she said.

She said after the meeting the next logical step would be to consult police through the council’s community safety and crime prevention committee in February.

Central West Police District crime manager Detective Inspector Bruce Grassick said the council was welcome to request crime statistics for the area and police could conduct a review of the space if asked.

He encouraged anyone who witnessed criminal activity at the park to call police.