A County Durham leisure centre has stepped up security after a spate of vandalism and anti-social behaviour around its football pitches.
Meadowfield Leisure Centre, on the outskirts of Durham, has introduced anti-climb paint, increased patrols and CCTV monitoring following incidents involving smashed glass, deliberate fires, littering and damage around its 3G pitch.
The centre said it was “incredibly saddened” by the recent problems, warning that the behaviour was putting players, teams and children at risk.
A spokesperson for the leisure centre said: “This behaviour is entirely unacceptable.
“It risks ruining the pitches for everyone and creates a massive safety hazard for the players, teams, and children who use them.”
Meadowfield Leisure Centre has introduced anti-climb paint, CCTV monitoring and increased patrols following a spate of vandalism and anti-social behaviour. (Image: Sarah Caldecott)
The centre has now coated its perimeter fencing in thick, non-drying anti-climb paint, designed to deter people from scaling the barriers, with warning signs also installed.
Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen also condemned the behaviour, adding: “Smashing glass, starting fires and wrecking football pitches is disgraceful.
“These are facilities for the whole community, and people have no right to damage them or put others at risk.
(Image: Supplied)
"Money that should be spent on sport and leisure is instead being spent repairing damage and increasing security. This is totally unacceptable.”
The incidents come amid wider concerns about anti-social behaviour across the region.
In Bishop Auckland, residents have raised concerns over vandalism, illegal motorbikes, and criminal damage, with a community action group calling for greater police visibility.
Elsewhere, disorder following August’s fatal A66 crash saw vehicles set alight at a gathering near Haswell, drawing condemnation from local leaders.
Brandon Ward Councillor Jonathan Elmer said numerous residents had contacted him about the recent problems at Meadowfield, prompting him to push for further intervention.
Meadowfield Leisure Centre has introduced anti-climb paint, CCTV monitoring and increased patrols following a spate of vandalism and anti-social behaviour. (Image: Sarah Caldecott)
A joint response by police, council teams and community wardens has since been organised, including more patrols by Police Community Support Officers and Neighbourhood Wardens.
The headteacher of Durham Johnston School has been asked to contact parents about fire-lighting and anti-social behaviour, with the council environmental team also having wooden dens and bonfires created by young people in nearby wooded areas removed.
Cllr Elmer warned that lighting fires was particularly dangerous while timber remained dry, adding that police and fire services did not intend to be lenient with those caught.
Brandon Ward Councillor Jonathan Elmer says a coordinated response has been launched to tackle vandalism, fires and anti-social behaviour around Meadowfield Leisure Centre. (Image: Jonathan Elmer)
He said: “There is still work to do to get on top of this, but we will.
"This sort of spike in anti-social behaviour has affected the area before and we have managed to stop it via working together.”
Durham County Council has reassured residents that the leisure centre remains open, and activities are continuing as normal.
Deborah Holmes, the council’s strategic manager for wellbeing, sport and leisure, said: “Following anti-social behaviour and littering at Meadowfield Leisure Centre, we have taken action, including the application of anti-climb paint and putting up warning signs, to deter further incidents and reduce risk of injury.
“We would like to reassure residents that it is business as usual at the leisure centre, with sessions and activities continuing to take place.”
She added that police were aware of the incidents and monitoring CCTV, while council teams would continue clearing broken glass and litter.
The Northern Echo understands that no incidents of criminal damage or antisocial behaviour were logged by Durham Police at Meadowfield Leisure Centre between September 22 and 29, when the centre issued its warning.
Read more
'Somebody needs to be held to account' over sewage discharge at North East beaches
Plans progress for potential £6m Football Foundation sports hub in North East town
Emergency crews called to battle blaze at derelict County Durham building
PCC Allen called for those responsible to be identified and held accountable.
“Prevention matters, but so do consequences; Persistent offenders must be held accountable,” she said.
“Our communities deserve safe facilities, and those who repeatedly damage them must not be allowed to carry on unchecked.”