Eggs and abuse hurled at people in park

11 hours ago

James RobinsonLocal Democracy Reporting Service

Residents have complained about anti-social behaviour in Hirst Park

James Robinson/NCJ Media A bowling green with a single storey, blue building behind it. There is a path to the right of the green which has a couple of benches. There is another green to the right of the path, with a group of men gathered in the left corner. There are trees lining the back of the photo and the sky is grey with clouds. — Residents have complained about anti-social behaviour in Hirst Park

Elderly residents have said they fear going out after dark due to a spate of anti-social behaviour in a park.

Issues at Hirst Park, in Ashington, have been branded "out of control", with young people reportedly throwing eggs and riding motorbikes on paths.

One resident described the youngsters as "feral" and said it was only a matter of time before someone was seriously injured.

Northumbria Police and Northumberland County Council have both said they are stepping up patrols in light of the issues.

Lyn Hooper has lived in Ashington for 25 years and uses the park every day to walk her dog.

But she told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the problems were getting worse.

"The elderly people are frightened to come out at night," Hooper said.

"Every night from about five or six o'clock you can hear the bikes.

"They make an awful mess."

Northumbria Police said it had increased patrols around the park

James Robinson/NCJ Media The entrance to Hirst Park which is a road with a red brick wall on either side. Black gates are open on either side of the road and there is a black sign on the right which reads 'Welcome to Hirst Park'. There is a detached house just on the inside of the gate. Trees can be seen behind the wall. — Northumbria Police said it had increased patrols around the park

She said there was always broken glass on the floor which caused problems for those with children and dogs.

"The kids have all these facilities but they would rather ride their bikes on the bowling green because that's where they're not allowed," Hooper said.

Many of the incidents appear to be targeted at the Hirst Park Bowls club, where bowls have been played for a century.

The area's Reform UK ward councillor Sonia Simm said staff had been assaulted, verbally abused and had eggs thrown at them, while young people had also climbed on to the building's roof.

A bowls club member said: "They're just horrendous, they're totally feral.

"All we want to do is play a game of bowls without having kids on their motorbikes riding up and down.

"Kids are kids, but this seems to be going to a different level.

"Somebody is going to be hurt, it's just a matter of time."

Northumbria Police said it would do "all it can" to tackle the issue and that officers were actively monitoring the area with increased patrols.

Drones have also been used to support officers which has resulted in the seizure of e-scooters and illegal electric bikes.

Home visits have been carried out with the young people who have been identified to discuss the behaviour in a bid to avoid the need for "formal enforcement".

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