CONCERNS have been raised and calls made for police patrols to tackle issues of drugs, antisocial behaviour and rubbish around children’s play areas.
A reader contacted White Horse News after his daily walks past Chestnut play area, saying, “Without fail on a daily basis the seating area near to the children’s enclosed play area is littered with glass, plastics, food cartons, wrappers and cigarette butts.”
The debris, including a quantity of broken glass, highlighted “total disregard for other park users’ and could cause injury and suffering to children and animals alike, the reader said.
“The seating areas in Chestnut park are used by a growing number of youths who, in addition to leaving the area in a dangerous manner are also using recreational drugs.”
He said the use of e-scooters – which are illegal unless used on private land with the consent of the landowner and the rider has adequate insurance – was also increasing
“How can you tackle this growing mindless behaviour?” he said. “Request frequent police patrols (but we know they have limited resources).
“Remove the current benches and seats from the park area, except those within the play area itself (will this encourage them to use the play area)?
“Install CCTV, an expensive option?”
The concerns were raised on the back of a previous White Horse News article in which the town council stated they are “very disappointed” at the destruction of waste bins.
“I understand the difficulties this brings to the town council, “ the reader added. “However, action must be taken now to stop this from happening again before someone or an animal is injured.”
On Facebook, a mum-of-three voiced worries about the number of teenagers hanging around the park near the Leigh Park duck pond.
“Three times I have visited the park this week and have seen three different groups of teenagers,” she said.
“The awful language they use in front of small children, the misuse of equipment and total lack of respect for each other and their surroundings saddens me.
“Yesterday, a group of four lads had been tipping bottles of coke all over the play equipment. This is not only dangerous for little ones as it made the equipment slippery, but is also a risk due to attracting so many wasps.
“I am a single mother of three that doesn’t have the space to let my children run free in our small garden,” she said.
“In these unprecedented times where families don’t have many options to keep their children entertained and safe, a trip to the park can make all the difference to our day.
“Having to cut it short due to the disrespecting lads was distressing for my children and we had to inform other families wanting to use the park to stay clear.”
She added that she understood that teenagers need to get out with their friends too, but said they should use the area outside the park to congregate and swear, where little ears can’t hear.
The last issue of White Horse News, local people in the Penleigh and Oldfield Park area of Westbury spoke of their anger and sadness after their local park was targeted by vandals.
