THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE
In broad daylight, vehicles were driven onto football pitches where children had been playing. I have since received reports of an unlawful entry into the football ground, suspected drug use, dangerous driving and vehicles tearing across and damaging the pitches.
In broad daylight, vehicles were driven onto football pitches where children had been playing. I have since received reports of an unlawful entry into the football ground, suspected drug use, dangerous driving and vehicles tearing across and damaging the pitches.
This is not a holiday park. Breaking into a local football club, damaging community facilities and spreading antisocial behaviour into surrounding streets will not be tolerated.
I have asked the council and Cleveland Police to urgently pursue the use of Section 61 powers so this unauthorised encampment can be moved on as quickly as legally possible.
I have also raised serious concerns with Cleveland Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner regarding footage I have seen. It could certainly be argued from that footage that the situation was not being taken seriously enough. That is simply not acceptable, and I expect it to be properly investigated.
I am pushing for the council, police and football club to work together urgently. Residents across East Redcar deserve decisive action, and the young people who use these pitches deserve to have them protected.
If you live nearby, please remain vigilant, secure your property and report any criminal or dangerous behaviour directly to the police.
They need to be moved on, and the damage caused must be addressed.