'Forgotten' Leigh Park needs urgent cash injection to tackle 'upsetting' rise in anti-social behaviour

That was the message from a worried councillor following the latest spate of yobbish behaviour by youths in the district, which prompted a plea to parents.

It comes after ‘concerned’ police reported a rise in loutish behaviour - specifically with young people ‘dangerously’ climbing on roofs.

Now, Councillor Amy Redsull – who represents the Warren Park ward on Havant Borough Council – said funding urgently needs to be pumped into Leigh Park, which has been branded ‘a forgotten community’.

She said that often, charities like Motiv8, Off The Record, Park Community and 13ANK Community Interest Company are the only ones providing a space for young people.

Cllr Redsull added: ‘Anti-social behaviour is wrong and isn’t an acceptable. Speaking to residents, I know a lot of them are upset by anti-social behaviour. It causes a lot of stress and upset in the community.

‘But there are not a lot of youth services in Warren Park. The Local Trust identified Leigh Park as a “left behind community”.

‘It has high rates of unemployment and child poverty - according to End Child Poverty, 33.6 per cent of children live in poverty.

‘There needs to be better opportunities for people. More needs to be done to support the next generation in finding themselves in a good, strong path.’

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The rise in anti-social behaviour has been focused on the Warren area of Leigh Park, according to Hampshire Constabulary.

Police have since encouraged parents to check with their children to find out what they are doing when they leave the house.

In a Facebook post, Havant police said: ‘We have had numerous reports of an increase of anti-social behaviour, specifically in the Warren area, with children climbing on roofs.

‘This is extremely dangerous and is a huge concern, especially in wet conditions.

‘We will be patrolling the area and will speak to those who are involved and deal with them accordingly.’

Speaking of the dangerous antics by some young people in her ward, Cllr Redsull added: ‘This is worrying. Nobody wants to see anybody injured or get hurt.

‘We need to intervene and reduce anti-social behaviour in Warren Park.’