Parents appeal after increase in vandalism

Officers say a minority of youths congregating in the Marine Gardens are turning the area into an eyesore by causing damage to buildings, smashing windows, spraying graffiti and leaving cans and bottles lying around.

Some of the group are meeting up under the colonnade where building work is taking place to create 10 new beach chalets.

While some Fleetwood residents on Facebook argue that youngsters are bored because they have nowhere to play, many more are furious at the lack of respect shown to local amenities.

A Fleetwood Police spokesman said: “We are asking parents if they know what their son or daughter is up to at night.

“Do they know who they are with or where they are going?

“The Marine Hall Gardens have become a focal point for large numbers of young people to congregate, taking shelter under the veranda where building work is taking place to create the new beach chalets.

“This may seem an ideal area for them to congregate, especially as the evenings get lighter, the weather gets warmer and the skate park comes into play.

“But a small minority are spoiling it for others by causing damage and making it an eyesore.

“We are dealing with this and actively patrolling the area but we simply can’t be there all the time.

“We are asking parents to encourage their sons or daughters to leave the area if they become aware of anti-social behaviour or criminal behaviour taking place and disassociate themselves immediately. Simple associations and presence could lead to their children being a suspect in a criminal investigation and needing interviewing under caution at the police station.”

Police also warn that the area is covered by CCTV.