A Black Country park has become a haven for drink-fuelled yobs riding mini-motorbikes. The louts are churning up football pitches in Claregate Park, Tettenhall, while others drink booze and abuse residents who live nearby.
Disgruntled residents are hoping a greater police and park ranger presence will quell the anti-social behaviour, which goes on late into the night. It’s believed youths are trespassing at properties in Knight’s Crescent and climbing over garden walls to get into the park.
In a bid to stamp out the problem, council bosses have planted prickly thorn bushes behind houses to keep troublemakers out.
Ward councillor John Yardley has been assured by Wolverhampton Council that park rangers will be keeping a watchful eye on the problem playing fields.
“I have been inundated with calls from angry residents who are sick and tired of being disturbed late into the night by these thoughtless yobs,” he said.
“I received a call two nights ago from a resident at the end of her tether so it seems the problem is still persisting.
“It will take a while for the prickly bushes to grow and be effective and in the meantime police patrols will be needed.”
Councillor Yardley added that he believed increased police patrols and the onset of winter will also help nullify the anti-social antics.
“Residents have even asked the youngsters to give them some peace and quiet but all they get is a mouthful of abuse.
“The council and police are aware of it and at least residents know something is being done.”
Council spokeswoman Julia Corrigan said the parks department was working with police, the neighbourhood warden service and police community support officers to address the complaints.
“The park is locked in the evenings and is also regularly visited by the senior ranger in an attempt to curtail any anti-social behaviour during park opening hours,” she added.
By Steve Wright
Popular stories:
Share this article:
What are these?