Yobs stealing fences from Barton homes and setting fire to them in nearby park

Residents near Baysgarth Park are concerned that anti-social behaviour is spiralling out of control and ruining the park's picturesque setting.

Those living on Brigg Road, with properties backing onto the park, have repeatedly seen littering, theft and criminal damage in recent months.

Now they are concerned it is spoiling the park's appearance after fires were reported and empty drinks containers were found scattered across the grass.

And the fears have been made worse after thieves stole fence panels from the back of these houses, which are then believed to have been used to start fires in the park.

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John Kneeshaw is one of a number of irate residents fed up with the problem – and he has organised a meeting with North Lincolnshire ward councillors and local police officers to combat the issue.

Mr Kneeshaw, 69, said: "We have had people approaching our gardens from the southern parts of the park to take wood from our fences for fires.

"We see people camping and drinking in the park and they leave litter everywhere.

"To make matters worse, the council was not cleaning it up until recently when I went to the local town council and raised the issue.

"I feel irritated by it because the council has not helped the situation.

"If the park looked clean then people would treat it with more respect.

"Having litter and damage to the park does not reflect well on the town and I am sure visiting people will be disgusted to see it. We want to see someone from North Lincolnshire Council regularly coming around to keep it clean.

"Ideally they will also repair the fences that have been damaged as they belong to the council."

Another Brigg Road resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "Within the park, there have been fires this year, which is something we have not really noticed before.

"There has also been damage to the trees, underage drinking and leaving litter.

"I think it is a wider issue for the park. It is a lovely park and unfortunately, the few are going to spoil it for the many."

Sergeant Dave Burton from the Barton Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "Baysgarth Park is a neighbourhood priority for the team and we patrol it routinely.

"We are aware of a number of concerns involving criminal damage offences and are paying attention to the area, working with our partners at North Lincolnshire Council to ensure that the park remains a pleasant and safe place for local people."

Paul Vickers, town mayor and North Lincolnshire ward councillor for Barton, said: "Baysgarth Park is one of the town's best assets and littering is a massive concern.

"As chairman of the local neighbourhood action team, Baysgarth Park is definitely one of our priorities."