YOUTHS have set up illicit drugs and drink dens in a family nature reserve.
That’s the claim of an Ellesmere Port resident who is horrified at the youngsters’ activities – often in broad daylight – in Stanney Woods.
Borough council rangers and police say they are working hard to curb this fresh upsurge of trouble in what is already regarded as a hot-spot for anti-social behaviour.
The issue was brought to the Pioneer’s attention by a concerned resident, who has taken photographs of plastic bags which are thought to have contained cannabis, and empty drinks cans and spirits bottles strewn around and smashed in the historic woods.
The man, who wouldn’t be named for fear of reprisals, said: “Although the rangers do a good job in keeping the paths clear of litter, they can’t keep up with the mess being left by youngsters, whose parents obviously don’t care or know what they are up to.
“It’s not only the litter but the senseless vandalism – what enjoyment is there in smashing bottles or trying to burn a tree down by lighting a fire at its base?
“It is clear drugs are being used. There are solvent and aerosol cans, which I believe they have been sniffing, and I’ve found plastic bottles turned into bongs for smoking drugs.
“Walking the woods on a regular basis I’ve noticed discreet signs pointing to where these drink and drug dens are – sticks pointing across paths, tape tied to trees and carrier bags tied around trees.”
He added: “The problem is more noticeable at the Whitby end of the woods, so it appears the majority of culprits are entering from that area.
“I’ve witnessed girls aged around 14 or 15 swigging straight from wine or vodka bottles in the middle of the afternoon and lads so drunk they can’t stand up.
“I feel strongly about this littering of a local nature reserve by these mindless yobs.”
