Anti-social behaviour centred around a popular Northumberland park is becoming “out of control”, a local councillor has warned. Youths in Ashington’s Hirst Park have been riding electric bikes, climbing on roofs and even throwing eggs.
Hirst Park features a play area, splash park and bowling green alongside other facilities, and is currently undergoing a £2.7 million restoration thanks to lottery funding. But Reform UK councillor Sonia Simm, who represents Ashington’s Haydon ward, said the anti-social behaviour was deterring people from using the park’s facilities.
Coun Simm said: “We’ve seen a serious rise in anti-social behaviour from groups of youths in Hirst Park. This includes assaulting staff, verbal abuse, throwing eggs, threatening elderly residents, and acting in an intimidating manner.
The effects of anti-social behaviour
“The reckless use of electric bikes and scooters is causing further disruption, alongside reports of underage drinking. 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.
“This behaviour is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
“Anti-social behaviour with the youths has been becoming a problem. I have been over to speak to the staff at the Bowls Club and found they had been subjected to abuse.
“Pensioners shouldn’t feel like they can’t go out because they’re worried about youths bothering them. They should be able to use the park and play bowls, it might be the only time they get out, it is really important to them. That opportunity shouldn’t be taken away because of anti-social behaviour.
“The youngsters have been going up onto the roof, and I have witnessed youths going through the park on their electric bikes. Enough is enough, they are out of control.
“I think we need to try and get that away from the park. I’m worried about gangs that seem to be forming.
“We have had a lot of investment in the park and it is being absolutely ruined. You have children wanting to use the park and they can’t because the equipment is broken or other youths are causing issues. Everybody should be able to use the park.”
Coun Simm said she had held a “very positive” meeting with officials from Northumbria Police and Northumberland County Council. The organisations are both taking action in a bid to tackle the problem.
Northumbria Police comment
“Anti-social behaviour, of any kind, is unacceptable and we will continue to do all we can to tackle this important issue wherever we find it being carried out in our communities.
“Recently, we have received reports of ASB in the Hirst Park area of Ashington concerning individuals climbing onto a pavilion roof and the use of electric bikes and e-scooters. In light of this, we’ve held a multi-agency meeting with the county council’s Safer Communities Team and other partners to investigate the issues.
“Neighbourhood officers are actively monitoring the area, and patrols have been increased at key times to provide reassurance and deter further incidents. We have also recently carried out a number of joint operations in the area, during which drones were used to support enforcement activity. This has resulted in the seizure of e‑scooters and illegal electric bikes.
“In addition, we are continuing to identify the young people involved. 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.
“We would ask that parents of young people please be aware of where those they care for are of an evening, who they are with and what they are doing. Please also remind them of the dangers of becoming involved with ASB and disorder.
“Thank you to residents for your continued support in this area. Anyone with concerns regarding ASB, including the misuse of electric bikes and scooters, should send us a direct message on social media or use the live chat and report form function on our website.
“If you are unable to make contact via those ways, call 101. In an emergency, or if a crime is taking place, always call 999.”
Northumberland County Council comment
“The council takes incidents of anti-social behaviour seriously and is aware of the concerns raised in Hirst Park.
“Our teams are working with Northumbria Police to address reported issues, and we have put measures in place to tackle these problems. These include increased patrols in and around the park to provide a visible presence and deter further incidents. We are also using drone technology where appropriate.
“We are continuing to monitor the situation and are asking people to report any anti-social behaviour to the police to ensure our communities remain a welcoming space for everyone.”
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