Residents in Hartlepool have reported wildlife being killed and visitors verbally abused in Rossmere Park, with local politicians calling for greater action from the council and police.
Local councillor Tom Feeney said there had been "countless" reports of anti-social behaviour in the park. He said residents were "sick to death over the levels of anti-social behaviour", with many reporting incidents of verbal abuse and intimidation.
Vandalism and environmental damage
The children's play areas in the park have been repeatedly vandalised, and some have been set fire to. Rubbish has been dumped into the pond.
Feeney said: "We have had endless amounts of rubbish dumped into the pond and our children's play areas have been repeatedly vandalised and even set fire to. Recently we have even had reports of the killing of wildlife in our park."
Council and police response
The Hartlepool Community Safety Team, which includes the council and Cleveland Police, said it had received "limited" information about issues in the park and asked people to report incidents.
A spokesperson said: "We have received a very limited amount of information about anti-social behaviour in the park, and most of that has come second or third-hand, so we need people to report – and provide detailed information on – any incidents so that action can be taken."
The issues in Rossmere Park have been highlighted at a recent meeting of the Safer Hartlepool Partnership.
Political response
Hartlepool MP Jonathan Brash is holding a meeting for residents on Wednesday to address concerns. He said residents were "right to be angry" at the response from the council and police.
Brash said: "The stories I have heard about the actions of a small minority are shocking and deeply disturbing. My meeting on Wednesday aims to push for the action needed to tackle these issues."