Plans to tackle Yate vandalism

Parish leaders will meet the police, youth workers and South Gloucestershire councillors in an attempt to tackle vandalism and anti-social behaviour in a popular piece of open land near Yate.

Wapley Common and picnic area, together with a nature reserve, is popular with families and dog walkers.

But it also attracts youngsters who have been blamed for lighting fires and smashing bottles during drinking sessions.

Dodington parish councillor Mandy Sainsbury said: "It's a problem we have every summer when the weather is nice.

"The area tends to attract youngsters at weekends and the council then has to deal with all the complaints that come from other users.

"We are lucky because we have dog walkers who clear up the mess. Police and community support officers have also been there and confiscated alcohol from youngsters.

"The young people say they have nothing to do but that is no excuse for causing damage.

"We are now going to have a meeting soon with the police, youth workers and South Gloucestershire Council to see if we can tackle this problem."

Parish clerk, Wendy Mayo, said some dogs being walked in the area had been injured as a result of stepping on to broken glass.

There had also been reports of branches being dragged out of the nature reserve and used to light barbecues.