Bridport News

Lyme Regis: PCSOs criticised by councillors

By Adrianne Maslen

8:10am Friday 3rd September 2010

Lyme Regis PCSOs have been forced to defend themselves over the way they deal with anti-social behaviour in the seafront gardens.

Town councillors have criticised the police community support officers after two lamps were vandalised late one night.

Councillors are particularly concerned that the putting green is being used as a place to congregate and play football.

But PCSO John Burton said officers voluntarily work until midnight to try and reduce anti-social behaviour in Langmoor Gardens and across the town.

Speaking at a town council meeting, Coun Stan Williams said: “I am very concerned about the gardens. There’s no signage there and it’s becoming a place where they play football.

“The answer from PCSOs is there are no signs to say ‘you can’t do this’.”

Coun Ken Meech added: “It’s ridiculous to say the authorities can’t take action if there’s damage being done.”

PCSO Burton said this week that if officers come across people on the putting green, they can and will ask them to move. He said: “It would be a lot easier if it was made clear to anyone that it is out of bounds in the first place.”

The PCSO said it would be of ‘great benefit’ if they had an updated list of bylaws and the penalties for non-compliance, backed up by suitable signs.

He added: “Just because a sign is there, it will obviously not stop every incident of anti-social behaviour just as a 30mph speed restriction sign will not stop everyone from speeding through a built-up area.”

Two ammonite lamps were recently damaged in the gardens, as well as numerous empty cans and bottles of alcohol left around.

PCSO Burton said the authorities could only take action if there is sufficient evidence to charge someone. “As there is still no CCTV in the gardens or seafront, this form of evidence is non-existent and therefore we rely on other forms of witness evidence,” he said.

“The gardens are relatively secluded and not overlooked by residential properties so house-to-house enquires are unlikely to be of benefit.”

He said it would be ‘sensible’ to look at ways of reducing the likelihood of similar incidents occurring again, and suggested painting part of the lamppost with non-drying anti-climb paint.

PCSO Burton added that reported anti-social behaviour in the Lyme area has dropped dramatically in the first part of summer compared to last year, with reported incidents falling by 31.6 per cent and violence down by 25 per cent.

He said: “As with all problems there are two sides to every story.

“Young people feel they have every right to enjoy themselves in Langmoor Gardens – the lack of clear guidance for them or anyone else in the area as to what is not allowed leads to unnecessary confusion and confrontation with any person in authority. “Lyme Regis Town Council staff, the enforcement officer, PCSOs, plus Special Constables and Police Constables, have all experienced difficulty at some time in enforcing bylaws that lack any substance or clarity.”

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