Vandals making life a misery for residents

Published on 11th January 2007 in News

Long-suffering residents have asked Goole Town council for help to stop vandals from urinating, drinking and swearing in the play area between Western Road and Murham Avenue.

A resident, who did not want to give his name for fear of being targeted, told councillors that youngsters congregated in the play area as soon as darkness fell, scrawling grafitti and creating a nuisance until the early hours of the morning.

People's property and their cars had been damaged by stones, eggs and paintballs, and parents were too scared to let their children play there.

Cllr Keith Tether said he had visited the area and described the situation as 'pure intimidation.'

Speaking after the meeting, another resident explained: "It was in October, 2005 when the problems started for us, when the play equipment came in. They had something to sit on.

"There's anything between six and 25 of them, and they range from early to late teens.

"Even when we politely ask them to keep the noise down, we get a mouthful of abuse."

A number of properties back onto the park, some of which are home to elderly people.

"I would imagine they hear an awful lot of what goes on," our informant said.

Children in nearby bedrooms are forced to endure the noise as they try to get to sleep.

The situation has improved since the gates have been locked at night but residents would still like lighting to be installed to deter the youths and asked for help from the town council.

At the meeting, councillors sympathised with the residents but suggested that lights could be vandalised or might even attract more vandals.

It was suggested that if community wardens were brought in to Goole, the play area could be one of their priorities.

However, clerk Brian Robertson agreed to look into the cost of vandal-proof lights and councillors were keen to apply to the East Riding of Yorkshire Council for possible funding in the next budget.