Cannock Park has now become no-go zone

Police are being called to a Staffordshire park once a week because of crime and anti-social behaviour, officers revealed today.

Residents claim that Cannock Park has become a no-go zone, with a group of around 20 youths causing trouble.

There have been 22 reports of anti-social behaviour and seven reported crimes since the start of the year – an average of four incidents per month.

Cannock Chase councillor Maureen Freeman said she has been a victim of abuse on more than one occasion.

"It started in March with a certain group of up to 20 who have been causing problems," she said.

"Myself and a friend suffered harassment and intimidation from some youths. One of them has been served with a harassment order.

"They have been abusing the facilities there, playing football in the rose garden where we were sitting.

"They started kicking the ball deliberately at us. Their behaviour is appalling."

Many residents living in Park Road, Old Penkridge Road, and Stafford Road say their lives have been made hell by anti-social behaviour, and they were too intimidated to give their names for fear of reprisals.

One man said: "You have to be careful what you say. We live right by the park.

"There are always bottles and beer cans left over in the morning. They ride their motorbikes around the field, it can have quite an intimidating feel about it. They light paper and leave it to burn on the ground."

A woman in Stafford Road said: "I take my dog for a walk. When there is a gang there it can be a bit frightening and intimidating."

Chief Insp Carl Ratcliffe, of Cannock Chase Local Policing Team, said: "There have been some reports of anti-social behaviour within the park, and the Cannock Chase Community Safety Partnership is tackling this in a variety of ways, including increased patrols."