LAWLESS youngsters have thrown bricks, spat and shot at residents using a popular park, it has been claimed.
Residents trying to enjoy Old Heath Recreation Ground in Colchester have been met with hostility by up to 20 delinquents who have, on occasion, been armed with BB guns.
The police have now ramped up their patrols in the park off Old Heath Road, Colchester, to ensure it doesn’t become a no-go zone for families during the school holidays.
“For about a month, maybe longer, a gang of 20 children have been causing trouble there,” said Old Heath councillor Lee Scordis.
“It’s ranging from shouting abuse at people to setting fires, to even throwing bricks at someone and spitting at people going past.”
Colchester Council is now set to remove the sides of the park’s blue shelter to allow the police to witness any activity taking place inside it from a distance.
“I’m just really annoyed and frustrated,” added Mr Scordis. “Residents should be able to walk through that park without feeling intimidated or threatened.”
New Town and Christ Church councillor Kayleigh Rippingale stated she is collaborating with youths to understand how the reckless behaviour can be stopped.
She said: “We’ve got a lot of underage drinking, littering and there has been incidents where people have been shot with a BB gun in the rec.
“The crimes going on generally show a lack of respect; there has been an increase in graffiti in the alleyways in New Town.”
The determined councillor revealed work is underway to reopen a youth club in the ward as part of efforts to tackle delinquent behaviour head-on.
Ms Rippingale stated she hopes the site targeted for St Stephen’s Church, Canterbury Road, will open in October.
She added: “A youth club is one part of the answer, it’s not the full solution. We are working with young people to hear what they need.
“We’re never going to stop crime completely but a more collaborative approach is the most productive way to go about it.
“There has been a rise in anti-social behaviour here and with proper provisions for young people, I’m hoping we can reduce it.”
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