Police commit to patrol Culcheth vandalism hotspot

This comes following a plea for help from a community group that litter picks at the site, with one group member claiming that despite previous calls for help, nothing had been done.

The hotspot in question is the Shaw Street Recreation Ground, in Culcheth.

Arson has been reported from the recreation ground (Image: Supplied)

Litter pickers monitor the area multiple times per week, including at the weekend, and multiple bags of rubbish are collected.

As well as plastic bottles and takeaway boxes, shattered glasses are often cleared away from the recreation ground, too.

The members of the community who make use of the playing fields for football and rugby matches often have to sweep the grass in order to ensure that there are no hazardous glass fragments in the area during the matches.

Litter pickers are at the end of their tether attempting to combat youths' disregard for the public spaces in Culcheth (Image: Supplied)

As well as general litter, the litter picker group often finds discarded nitrous oxide canisters - commonly known as laughing gas.

Nitrous oxide is inhaled for a brief 'high' but the risks associated with using the drug are severe, and can include neurological damage.

There have also been cases of vandalism, as well as bins being set alight.

Now, a joint response from Cheshire Constabulary and Warrington Borough Council promises residents that the public bodies are aware of the issues, and will continue to patrol the area.

Discarded metallic canisters are being collected after nitrous oxide has been abused by groups of youths in the area (Image: Supplied)

Responding to the Warrington Guardian, the joint comment from the police and the council reads: "Over the past 12 months, Cheshire Police and Warrington Borough Council have been working closely to address the concerns raised by residents and parish and borough councillors in relation to anti-social behaviour at Shaw Street car park.

"The majority of the concerns raised relate to issues such as litter, nuisance youths and nuisance drivers, along with one reported bin fire. 

"A number of options have been explored to help address the concerns, with discussions ongoing.

"Officers and PCSOs will continue to patrol the area and we urge anyone with any concerns to contact Cheshire Police."