Drug users targeted at skate park

Patrols were stepped up after residents living near the new facility off Anchorage Lane, Sprotbrough, complained about the anti-social behaviour of gangs of teenagers.

The operation was carried out after information was received from residents, councillors, and community safety wardens.

Doncaster West Safer Neighbourhood Team, based at Edlington, conducted plain-clothes patrols in and around the Skate Park from 8pm until 1am, with three teams of officers approaching the park from different positions to catch the offenders.

More than 20 youths were stopped and some searched and the parents of the youths that were spoken to were informed of their behaviour.

One 17-year-old youth was arrested for being drunk and disorderly and two boys aged 14 and 16 are to be dealt with for possessing a small amount of cannabis.

Another 17-year-old from Sprotbrough was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply cannabis and is on police bail.

And a group of six teenagers from Highfields were escorted back to their own village from the skate park.

Sgt Richard Vernon, of the West Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “We will not tolerate a small minority of young people gathering and displaying anti-social behaviour that is reducing the quality of life for local residents.

“We want to ensure the skate park is enjoyed by responsible young people. Similar operations are planned in the near future.”

Steve Gratton, head of the park users’ group, said: “This is good news because it’s been a real headache for the councillors and the kids who skate there.

“It’s been really frustrating because of the vandalism and damage they have caused which makes it impossible for skateboarding and some of the younger ones have also been intimidated by these idiots. I’m very pleased the police have taken action.”