Minority are spoiling the fun for others

4:32pm Tuesday 24th June 2008

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NUISANCE behaviour will not be allowed to spoil everyone else's fun at Moulton's playing fields.

The parish council is determined to bring a halt to anti-social behaviour but does not want to stop all villagers enjoying the new facilities, off Main Road.

Councillors reported an increase in graffiti and in nuisance youths, including a motorcyclist, congregating in the area at their June meeting.

Parish council chairman Clr Pauline Vernon said: "We have highs and lows and I think it's been nice weather and they're aiming for there again."

She added: "Most are no trouble it's just when the odd one or two spoil it.

"I'd say 98 per cent are alright, it's the bad two per cent."

The playing fields have been completely revamped during the past three years with a new multi-use games area and teen shelters opened in July 2005 and the junior and toddler play area opened in March this year.

Clr Gary Fox said: "We've spent an awful lot of money on the playing fields lately and the community are paying for this.

"We know it's happening and that there are highs and lows but we've got to start thinking what we are going to do in future.

"It can't carry on like this - we've spent an awful lot of money and we've got to protect what we've spent."

Clr Mark Green said the council should ask the police for advice before implementing anything.

"We need to make the effort to protect what we've got but in a structured way so we don't lose the amenity for people who are still using it - it could be quite draconian in terms of what we do and it might not be appropriate," he said.

Councillors will discuss the issue with police and community safety wardens and report back to the July parish council meeting.