Nottinghamshire Police have stepped up patrols at a popular park used by toddlers and teenagers after a number of reports of young people gathering to drink alcohol, smoke drugs and take nitrous oxide.
Residents have complained that The Hook skate park in Lady Bay, which includes play areas for pre-school and primary age children, has been used for anti-social activities during the late evening and into the early hours of the morning.
Beer cans and bottles, remnants of marijuana 'joints' and small canisters used to contain the new drug of choice, nitrous oxide - or 'laughing gas' - have been found littering the area.
Local residents have also complained of screaming and shouting coming from the park late at night.
As a result, West Bridgford police officers have been patrolling Lady Bay at night.
Inspector Craig Berry said: "We will be approaching anyone who is on the park in the evening and overnight and if there is evidence of anti-social behaviour we will identify those involved and they will be held to account.
"Restricting people's free movement is quite a significant decision, therefore there is no dispersal authority in place at this time but if the poor behaviour continues we will introduce this measure for future weekends and busy times.”
In recent days officers have seen a repeat of anti-social behaviour that was seen on Ten Acre Field off Adbolton Lane. Further patrols will continue there.
He added "To the parents of young people in and around the Lady Bay area, please make sure that your children are aware of this issue and the advice provided.
"We are asking that parents support this by talking to their teenagers as this is hugely impacting on local residents who cannot sleep at night as a result."
