Residents left at 'end of tether' by anti-social behaviour blighting popular Portsmouth playing fields

As reported last month, large groups of teenagers were making a nuisance at Portsmouth Rugby Club’s playing field off Norway Road.

Locals resorted to calling the police after witnessing drug-taking, glass bottles being smashed, shouting and obnoxious behaviour, as well as leaving rubbish sprawled across the area that has also been used as a toilet.

Youths have capitalised on no rugby being played at the Hilsea location following the coronavirus pandemic.

Despite police and Portsmouth City Council carrying out patrols of the area - with the latter cleaning up rubbish - problems continue to persist according to those living nearby.

Resident Sally Hall, 59, said the issues normally occur on Saturdays - with unruly behaviour at the weekend leaving them without sleep for most of the night.

She said: ‘Once again the residents had a sleepless night as teenage thugs caused damage as well as screaming, shouting and drinking alcohol and taking drugs until 3am on Sunday morning.

‘They were making so much noise after stealing a bollard which they threw around against fences and were throwing bottles around smashing them all over the rugby pitches.

‘It was gone 2am and we were still awake so I rang 101 but the police were occupied in other incidents.

‘I just don't know how to stop it happening. We have been left at the end of our tether.

‘Police are too busy at the weekend and these young idiots know it. Normally there would be rugby on the fields and events in the evenings but there is no one around at the moment (following the coronavirus outbreak).’

Ms Hall, who fears approaching the large group for fear of reprisals, said most of the group are young teenagers.

‘Some of them are probably only aged 14 - god knows what their parents are doing,’ she said.

‘I want to shout at them to be quiet but they have bottles and would throw them into our garden as they are drunk and showing off.

‘They leave rubbish, including gas canisters, and broken glass everywhere - one of their favourite games is chucking bottles at the rugby posts before letting out a big cheer.

‘People walk their dogs, have picnics with children and go for runs on the fields. It’s only a matter of time before someone - or a dog - stands on glass.’

Police confirmed they were aware of the issues. A spokesman said the authority received reports of anti-social behaviour including ‘shouting and swearing, drinking alcohol, and leaving behind litter and broken bottles’.

The spokesman added: ‘It was reported that this behaviour has also occurred on previous weekends.

‘The Portsmouth North Neighbourhoods Policing Team have been made aware of these issues and will be patrolling this area.’

MP for Portsmouth North, Penny Mordaunt, previously urged people to act carefully. She said: ‘The vast majority of people have been sensible, staying at home and not breaking social distancing advice.

‘In each case the police have been made aware and have taken action to combat these hotspots.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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