Parties in Somerset woodland cause damage to gates

24/09/2009

Young revellers have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage to woodland gates in High Littleton, Somerset, according to reports.

Local people are growing increasingly frustrated after frequent gatherings in Greyfield Wood, which have been the cause of broken gates, fire damage and litter, This Is Somerset reports.

Police were called after a recent party where people were heard racing off-road motorbikes through the wood, which is owned by the Woodland Trust.

Volunteers have cleaned up the litter and broken glass, although the charity will still need to pay out several hundred pounds to replace the gate and padlock.

"This is the latest in a series of overnight parties in Greyfield Wood and it would be nice to think that responsible parents would help residents and the police make it the last," volunteer Brian Maule told the paper.

It follows reports that plaques bearing the names of WWII soldiers have been replaced on a pair of memorial gates in Neath, Wales, after they were stolen.