NEW GLOUCESTER – Selectmen on Monday refused to unlock the gate at the town’s recreation fields after dark, despite the plea of Selectman Stephanie Bryan.

Bryan argued that Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department deputies and Maine State Police troopers would be able to check the fields off Rowe’s Station Road to deter more vandalism.

Instead, the board voted, 4-0, to erect a sign stating no admittance after dark and give notification to the police to increase patrol in the area. Bryan abstained.

Bryan argued that deputies and troopers are unlikely to leave their vehicles to walk inside the gated area at night to inspect for vandalism or trespassers.

Most of the vandalism to the town’s ball fields and tennis courts occurs after dark. Town Manager William Cooper said to date no one has been apprehended.

“By opening the barn door, we allow entrance and exit by greater numbers,” said Selectman Lenora Conger. “We would make this a parking lot for after dark adventures. By leaving the gate open, we are setting up another place where that crowd can go.”

Selectman Steve Chandler asked how many days per week police would patrol if the gate was unlocked.

A Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department deputy in the area covers four area towns.

“We have been doing it this way and it doesn’t work,” said Bryan, who brought the issue up last month after riding with local deputies on patrol.

“Patrolmen don’t have the ability to get back there and get these kids. People vandalizing have a field day down there,” she said.

Chairman Steve Libby said, “I want the facility locked. There is not enough sheriff or state trooper patrol to make a change.”

New Gloucester disbanded its police department in 1989 and relies on rural patrol by the Maine State Police and the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department.

In recent months New Gloucester and neighboring towns are holding talks to discuss options to increase rural patrol that could result in sharing the cost of a deputy.

A recent survey completed by residents in New Gloucester, Gray and North Yarmouth, who rely on rural patrol, shows that 71 percent are satisfied with rural patrol. Roughly 80 percent are in favor of sharing law enforcement services with each other, but only half say they are willing to support enhanced contracted services that increase property tax.

In other business, selectmen authorized forming a committee to build a gazebo at the New Gloucester Library in memory of former Selectman Robert Leighton, who died in December. The group will look into selecting a style and determine costs for the project. Fund raising will be sought to erect the structure this year.

“This sounds like a landmark thing that will last as long as the library,” said Selectman Steve Libby, who praised Leighton’s efforts on behalf of the library.

Leighton was a member of the New Gloucester Library Expansion Committee and helped raise private donations to fund the project.