Police to stop youths gathering at play area (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Police to stop youths gathering at play area

POLICE have launched a "pre-emptive strike" against local youths congregating at Moreton's new £80,000 play area.

The play area in Queen Victoria Gardens has not yet been officially opened but police have issued a warning that tough action will be taken against anyone hanging around the park when they should not be there.

"I will be asking police and community support officers to pay attention in that area. Anyone found in the park who is too old to be there, in possession of alcohol or late at night will be removed and possibly given acceptable behaviour contracts," warned Sgt Martin Jones, head of the north Cotswold Safer Communities Team.

"Those are very nice facilities and I don't want to see them spoilt," he added. "Once it is dark there is no reason for anybody to be in there."

Moreton Town Council, which paid for the refurbishment of the play area, has already expressed concern about security in the park, though to date there have been no incidents reported.

"It's a pre-emptive strike. There have been no problems as yet but it is early days," said Sgt Jones.

"We know from previous experience during the summer it's a congregating place for local youths who have been drinking," he said.

In the past playground rides in the park have been damaged, on one occasion a ride was set alight.

"We are not going to tolerate that behaviour," warned Sgt Jones.

Moreton Town Council offers a £200 reward for information about damage at the play area, which is due to be opened at a family fun day on Sunday, May 21.

7 Making sure the play is used by children only and not after dark are police community support officers Mel Cheesbrough, left, and Gemma Finch. feb06096-b