Holbeach, Whaplode, Long Sutton and Sutton Bridge suffering from park strife

Vandalism, fires, graffiti and drug-taking are among the big problems which are blighting South Holland’s parks.

Officers from the Holbeach Neighbourhood Police Team have put out an appeal for people to respect the area’s parks following a spate of recent anti-social behaviour.

Graffiti, damage to play equipment and benches have all been reported in Carter’s Park in Holbeach - and a pigeon has since died after being found covered in spray paint in the park.

In Whaplode, books from a Women’s Institute library in an old telephone box have been burned on the village playing field - while there are also reports of a noise nuisance in Church Gate.

Long Sutton Parish Council is having to employ a private security company to tackle anti-social behaviour in both parks and elsewhere.

Over the weekend, the town saw play equipment vandalised.

Reports have also been made of drug-taking in Sutton Bridge’s parks.

A South Holland Police Facebook post stated: “Most of our parks will have nearby properties.

“Anyone visiting the parks should be respectful of the local community. They are an amenity for us all to enjoy so please don’t spoilt it for others.”

Holbeach district councillor Graham Rudkin feels there should be more police patrols in the area.

Officers are still investigating after a man in his 20s was attacked by a group of males in Carter’s Park in July. A 16-year-old was arrested and released on bail.

Coun Rudkin said: “I would like to see a skate park coming to Holbeach.

“I am going to explore the idea of getting a skate park for the kids of Holbeach.

“They need more to occupy their minds.”

Holbeach Parish Council, which owns the park, said: “We continue to look at options for CCTV and are looking at the maintenance of trees to increase the visibility.”

Long Sutton Parish Council chairman John Clarey said that a trim trail in Winfrey Park suffered damage over the weekend.

He said that the council has had some ‘fantastic results’ from deploying a private security company, adding: “It is a minority of youngsters spoiling it.”

Whaplode Playing Field Committee said it is in control of the situation in their village - and is working with a Police Community Support Officer.

A police spokesman said: “We know there is a small minority of people who behave in an anti-social manner that have caused damage and set fire to some books taken from a phone box. We are appealing for information from the local community to help stop those who try to spoil the area in their tracks.

“South Holland has many great open spaces for the community to use an we will work with our partners to keep them accessible to everyone.”