Yob fear for village play area

A children's play area in Kinver has become a haven for drinking and vandalism according to fed-up residents who are demanding action from police.

Residents are calling for regular patrols at night to stop yobs congregating near to the area in Legion Drive. Damage has already been caused by youths sitting on play equipment designed for much younger children. One of the aerial lines is missing its seat and other items have been vandalised, according to residents living nearby in the village.

Youths are also using a car park to perform handbrake turns in their vehicles at night, screeching their tyres and leaving burnt rubber on the asphalt.

There are also problems with yobs drinking at the site. But residents say despite their reports no action is being taken and the problems continue to escalate.

They claim a CCTV camera is supposed to protect the site but it is shared between different areas and is currently not in place.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said the situation was appalling.

"This area is designed for use by youngsters and obviously at night it is quiet which allows these yobs to move in," he said.

"The problem stems from the fact there is no lighting down there which helps the yobs to congregate without being seen.

"Add to this the fact there is no CCTV currently and you have a recipe for trouble. It is a shame as this area is for the community and it is being abused terribly at night. Very often you can hear cars and motorbike screeching their tyres on the car park.

"What we need is to have a regular police patrols in this area to act as a deterrent. The situation as it stands at the moment cannot continue."

He said residents were also calling on Kinver Parish Council to install lighting in the area which would increase security at the site.

No-one from South Staffordshire Police was available for comment.