POLICE in Yate have taken a big step towards winning the battle against anti-social behaviour in St Mary's Park.

More than 40 litres of alcohol was seized by police on Friday night as part of a major operation to clamp down on youths drinking and causing a nuisance in the park.

New alcohol testing strips were used to detect the presence of alcohol in beverages and anything with alcohol in was disposed of or confiscated. Evidence of cannabis use was also discovered.

Neighbourhood Sgt Andy McIlrath, of Chipping Sodbury police, said: "Despite this success we are still getting groups of 60 or more youths congregating at the park.

"We are appealing to all parents to make sure they know where their children are at night and to be aware of the effect that these gatherings have on the residents living around the park.

"We are stepping up the campaign and have now contacted all the secondary schools in the area to make sure they are aware of the problem and the potential consequences.

"It is a huge problem because we turn up and their behaviour is fine, so we disperse the groups and take the young ones back home, but as soon as we leave it starts again.

"Fixed penalty notices are still being issued to those over 16.

"Unfortunately we can only respond to calls, so it's vital that residents continue to report anything untoward as it happens.

"We appreciate that it can be frustrating for residents but we are trying to look at both short and long term solutions, and have brought in special officers to help deal with the problem.

"I reiterate our plea for residents to report any incidents of unruly behaviour to us and we'll deal positively with any offences discovered.

"Often booze is disposed of or hidden prior to our arrival, so any information as to how this is achieved would also be welcomed."

8:15am Thursday 20th March 2008

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