THIS SUMMER has been the worst in more than a decade for anti-social behaviour at some of Petersfield’s open spaces.

That’s the belief of staff at Petersfield Town Council (PTC) who have removed drug paraphernalia from The Avenue and Love Lane recreation grounds on a “daily basis” throughout the summer months.

Damage has been regularly reported at the latter site while the sight of mopeds and motorcycles being driven illegally across the fields has become a common one over the same period.

“It’s been probably the worst it’s been in my time here, and The Avenue has really come into play,” PTC senior groundsman Dugg Budd told to the Grounds Committee last Thursday.

“They used to hang around the pavilion but where it’s been so warm they’ve gone to shadier spots so we’re finding rubbish and detritus every day.”

Town clerk Neil Hitch said the cost of cleaning up and making repairs has exceeded £1,000 this summer, with Love Lane being one of the worst affected areas.

He said: “There’s a constant, constant battle with the fencing alongside the football club and that was repaired four or five times in April alone.

“There’s a lot of drugs, laughing gas bottles and there’s syringes. It’s been a constant battle this summer and I think it’s been the worst in the 12 years I’ve been here.”

The problem could ease over the coming months as temperatures fall while plans to install CCTV at Love Lane, The Avenue and Bell Hill are close to being finalised.