People having sex in cars and bushes at Belton picnic area causes 'community concerns'

EXTRA police patrols are being carried out at a popular North Lincolnshire picnic area, after increased reports of couples having sex in cars and bushes during the day.

North Lincolnshire Council and Humberside Police are working together to improve the situation.

Insp Brett Rutty, of Humberside Police, said: “Community concerns were raised about the general condition of the Belton Picnic Area at the recent meeting of the Axholme Central Neighbourhood Action Team (NAT).

“As a result of this North Lincolnshire Council’s Safer Neighbourhood Team have begun to examine the location and liaise with residents and partner agencies to assess the situation and consider what action to take.

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“Although there have been no calls for service to Humberside Police, it has been suggested that the area is frequented by people who engage in sexual activity.

“This is a concern not only as offences may be committed but also for the health and well being of people who take part in this activity.

“Officers and PCSOs from the Neighbourhood Policing Team in support of colleagues at Safer Neighbourhoods and the community will make routine patrols to the Picnic area. Positive action and appropriate advice will be given to anyone found acting inappropriately in a public place.”

Eddie Mardell, Epworth resident and town councillor said: “I know people who have legitimately parked there with trade vans with their mobile phone written on the side and they had a call from someone asking if they wanted to meet them in the toilet.

“My wife once found two blokes in the hedge together. If you’re walking there and you see that it can be quite frightening.”

Liz Redfern, parish councillor for Epworth and Belton, said the location was popular with dog walkers.

She said: “It’s an area which Safer Neighbourhoods is looking at. I know the police have it in hand and are making regular checks.”

A North Lincolnshire Council spokeswoman, said: “We have not received any complaints recently about Belton picnic area; however we are aware of the issues there.

“Safer Neighbourhoods and the Neighbourhood Action Team (NAT) are working closely with other agencies to look into ways of dealing with the problem.”

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