POLICE have increased "high visibility patrols" of Weston's Castle Batch All-Inclusive SEND Play Park after it was vandalised.

It is believed that the incident took place on Friday night (September 8, 2023).

On the same day, at around 5.30pm, police received three separate reports of a group of teenagers exhibiting anti-social behaviour. 

Police attended and attempted to positively engage with the group. However, on the third attendance, the teenagers were told to leave and to not return.

It was found that the trampoline on the top tier of the castle was heavily vandalised. There were also reports of graffiti and glass on the floor.

Posting on Facebook on Saturday, the day after, a spokesperson from the inclusive SEND park said: "The park will be closed until at least Monday as we need to have all of the equipment checked for safety and the glass fully removed as it's covering a large area of the park.

"The trampoline on the top tier of the castle has been heavily vandalised. We have called the contractor to let them know and to get it fixed as soon as possible.

"We are aware of the issues and thank the local community who have been doing their own litter picks, looking after the park and reporting issues to us."

A spokesperson from the Avon and Somerset Police force said: “We received three separate reports of anti-social behaviour in a Worle park on Friday, September 8 between around 5.30-7pm. 
 
“Officers attended and positively engaged with a group of teenagers about their behaviour.
 
“On the third attendance, officers carried out a dispersal order, directing the teens to leave the area and not to return. All parties abided by this and left.
 
“We understand that overnight on Friday, September 8 the park had been vandalised.
 
“We have been in contact with one of the concerned parents since the incident and provided reassurance.
 
“The Worle Neighbourhood Policing Team are aware of the community concerns and take these very seriously. They have been carrying out enquiries in relation to the criminal damage, as well as conducting increased high visibility patrols.
 
“Additional patrols are also being carried out by North Somerset Council’s community response team and Weston Town Council are considering additional measures to discourage anti-social behaviour in the area.
 
“If you have any information or witnessed any suspicious behaviour, please contact 101 or speak to the Neighbourhood Policing Team.”