Bench move in bid to foil anti-social gang (From Wiltshire Times)

Bench move in bid to foil anti-social gang

1:46pm Friday 18th August 2006 in Corsham By John Ballard

A BENCH in Corsham has been removed after police said it had become a meeting point for anti-social youngsters.

The seat at Meriton Avenue Recreation Ground has been at the centre of a number of disturbances involving groups of teenagers. Residents and the police feel the trouble is made worse because the bench is in a secluded area.

Police have been called in to deal with incidents of disturbance, damage to property and abuse of neighbours on several occasions, and they would like the bench moved to a more open area, which they say would reduce problems and make it easier for them to tackle any incidents.

Corsham Town Council discussed the issue on Monday evening and the bench was removed on Tuesday to see if this will have an impact on the number of anti-social incidents.

The leisure committee will meet next month to decide whether to replace the bench.

Cllr Jock Fraser said: "My main concern is that if we move the seat we are just moving the problem. It is the people that sit on the seat who are causing the problems, and wherever we put it people are going to use it."

A request from the police to remove or relocate the bench was discussed at the council's annual site visit on June 26, but at the time councillors felt the seat should be retained as it is used during the daytime, and by spectators at football games.

Since June the problems of anti-social behaviour have increased.

Police inspector Gavin Williams told Monday's meeting, said: "It is very difficult to catch people being disorderly unless we can cover all exit points (from the recreation ground). It's like a game of cat and mouse.

"We do continue to police it positively, but we need help in that with moving the bench."

Cllr Peter Davis said: "How many people other than these children use this seat?

"If it's not being used by many other people, it's only a meeting point for those causing unsocial behaviour.

"We should take the seat away, put it into storage and let's see what happens."

Cllr Jeanne Doohan felt it was unfair that residents living near the recreation ground have to tolerate anti-social behaviour, and supported the decision to remove the bench. She said: "Why should people have to put up with it? Take the seat away."