More patrols at park hit by antisocial behaviour
GooglePatrols have been increased at a park following antisocial behaviour including youths climbing on a pavilion roof and riding e-scooters.
Hirst Park in Ashington, which features a play area, splash park and bowling green, is undergoing £2.7m restoration.
Northumberland county councillor Sonia Simm, who represents Ashington's Haydon ward, said the behaviour was deterring people from using the park's facilities.
Northumbria Police said its officers had met with the council and other agencies to investigate the reports and the children responsible were being identified.
Simm, a Reform councillor at the Conservative-led authority, said reports included assaults on staff at the park's bowling club, verbal abuse and throwing eggs.
She said: "The splash park has also been vandalised, along with several pieces of play equipment, spoiling these facilities for the rest of the community who simply want to enjoy them."
She added she was concerned older people might feel discouraged from using the park due to the issues, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
"Enough is enough – they are out of control," she said.
A Northumbria Police spokesman said officers had increased patrols at the park at "key times" and had seized illegal e-scooters and e-bikes.
The spokesman said: "A number of home visits have been carried out with parents and guardians to discuss children's behaviour, outline concerns and set clear expectations, with the aim of preventing further issues and avoiding the need for formal enforcement where possible."
A spokeswoman for Northumberland County Council said: "We are continuing to monitor the situation and are asking people to report any antisocial behaviour to the police."
