Special team formed to tackle park yobs

A specialist team of police officers, park wardens and council staff is being trained up to deal with the weekly call-outs about anti-social behaviour at Cannock Park. Worried residents fear the area is becoming a no-go zone.

There have been 22 incidents of anti-social behaviour and seven reported crimes since the start of the year, an average of four incidents a month. People living near the attraction are concerned about gangs of up to 20 youths hanging around in the park and causing trouble.

Now, selected council officers, park attendants, police officers and PCSOs will all be involved in tackling any trouble.

They will be instructed in their roles and will meet to work through a number of scenarios. The group will also discuss responses to likely incidents.

The police have indicated that the park is a potential "hot spot" for a number of problems, including the drinking of alcohol.

Police also report that a significant number of calls requesting officers to attend Cannock Park, which lies between Old Penkridge Road and the A34 Stafford Road, concern youths playing football on the bowling green.

They have suggested landscaping options to ensure that the site and adjoining rose garden is not misused. The council has installed "no ball" signs on the bowling green and police say they will enforce their powers to stop youths drinking alcohol in what is a designated public place.

Cannock Chase councillor Maureen Freeman said she had encountered anti-social behaviour at the park first-hand. She and a friend have suffered harassment from youths, describing their behaviour as appalling.

Others living in surrounding roads complain of motorbikes being ridden around the field and paper being lit and left to burn on the ground. Chief Inspector Carl Ratcliffe, head of Cannock Chase police, said they were increasing patrols in the area. The council's scrutiny committee will consider an update on the park on Monday next week.