Community Announcement – Meigh Road Playing Fields
Werrington Parish Council is aware of, and deeply concerned by, the recent increase in anti-social behaviour at Meigh Road Playing Fields.
Recent incidents have included objects being thrown into neighbouring gardens, narrowly missing residents, and broken glass being deliberately embedded in the ground, ripping the defibrillator from the wall creating a serious risk of injury to park users, children, dog walkers and nearby residents. Such behaviour is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
The Parish Council encourages all residents to report incidents of anti-social behaviour to Staffordshire Police by calling the non-emergency 101 service or by using the online reporting system How to report | Police.uk. Reporting every incident is essential, as police resources and patrols are informed by the number of incidents reported. Without accurate reporting, it is more difficult for the appropriate level of police support to be allocated to the area.
The Parish Council has been working closely with Staffordshire Police, the Anti-Social Behaviour Officer at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, and is also seeking to involve local schools as part of a coordinated approach to addressing these issues.
In addition, a number of options are currently being considered regarding the future of the pump track. These include reducing its size or, if necessary, removing it altogether should this be deemed the most effective way to reduce anti-social behaviour and improve public safety.
Following advice from the Police Crime Prevention Officer, the Parish Council will also be trialling the locking of the pedestrian entrance adjacent to the main gates. This trial will help determine whether restricting access has a positive impact on reducing anti-social behaviour. Should these measures prove effective, the Council may consider installing gates at all entrances and introducing evening closures, either by locking the site overnight or by limiting access to a single entrance and exit during the evening.
Alongside these preventative measures, Werrington Parish Council remains committed to ensuring that Meigh Road Playing Fields continue to be a welcoming, safe and enjoyable space for everyone. Throughout the summer, the Council has arranged SPACE Stoke City Football coaching sessions and Staffordshire Wildlife Trust SPACE activities, providing positive opportunities for children, young people and families to enjoy the facilities.
The Parish Council hopes that residents of all ages will continue to make positive use of the playing fields and that, by working together with the local community and partner organisations, the small minority responsible for anti-social behaviour can be encouraged to respect this valued community asset for the benefit of everyone.
These decisions are not being taken lightly. However, Werrington Parish Council has a duty to protect this important public space and to ensure it remains safe and accessible for all users, including families, children, dog walkers, contractors carrying out maintenance, and other visitors.
If you would like to contact Werrington Parish Council regarding this matter, please email the Parish Clerk at clerk@werringtonparishcouncil.gov.uk.