Playing Field Update - 17th April 2025

This statement is issued to address recent discussions and correct some misinformation circulating online regarding Lettie Spencer Playing Field. We understand the importance of this facility to our community and want to provide clarity on two specific issues: the removal of a bench from the shelter and the recent banning of an individual.

Removal of the Bench from the Shelter
The decision to remove the bench located within the shelter was made by the Parish Council in August 2024, following many months of consideration. This decision was taken at a public meeting and is recorded in the minutes. The bench was physically removed in March 2025.

This was not a decision taken lightly. For several years, the bench's location within the somewhat hidden shelter unfortunately created a hotspot for various issues, including repeated instances of anti-social behaviour (ASB) and illegal activities such as drug taking.

While we acknowledge that removing the bench affects those who used it appropriately, the Council has a responsibility to ensure the playing field is a safe and welcoming environment for all residents. The removal was deemed a necessary and proportionate measure to address the persistent problems experienced at that specific location and to make the area less conducive to inappropriate use. This action forms part of our broader efforts to tackle ASB and ensure the long-term positive use of the playing field. The installation of CCTV (funded by the Council) is another step taken to deter ASB and help manage the facility responsibly.

Banning Notice Served to an Individual
There have been inaccurate reports online suggesting individuals were banned simply for moving a table. This is incorrect.

Following a formal resolution by the full Parish Council at its meeting on March 25th, 2025, one individual has been formally banned from entering Lettie Spencer Playing Field. This individual is not a resident of Willaston parish.

The decision to issue this ban followed prolonged and persistent anti-social behaviour by this individual over an extended period, spanning approximately two years. The Council, Police, and security contractors have recorded numerous incidents involving this person, including tampering with Council property (such as moving assets), causing nuisance and disturbance to residents and playing field users, trespassing when the playing field was closed, climbing gates, and other breaches of the facility's bylaws. The individual had previously been given an opportunity to rectify their behaviour following an initial intervention, but the issues regrettably continued.

The recent incident involving the moving and damaging of a picnic table on April 12th—while serious and requiring repair—occurred after the Council had already resolved to issue the ban based on the history of prior incidents.

The Parish Council is committed to ensuring that Lettie Spencer Playing Field remains a positive asset for the community. Addressing ASB involves difficult decisions, but we undertake these actions responsibly to protect the facility and the residents it serves.

We hope this statement provides clarity and context.

For those interested in the discussion surrounding anti social behaviour and the Council’s resolutions to prevent it, the meeting minutes are publically available on our website.