Calls for police crackdown after out of control party (From Daily Echo)

Calls for police crackdown after out of control party

11:08am Friday 2nd November 2012 in News By Emma Streatfield, Senior Reporter

Sandy Lane sports pavilion

POLICE are today facing calls to crackdown on rowdy teenagers in a Hampshire village.

It comes after officers raided a teenager’s birthday party and found a 16-year-old unconscious through drink.

As revealed yesterday up to 60 youngsters were dispersed from a North Baddesley pavilion when police closed down the unruly event after being alerted by a concerned parent.

Now a councillor is now calling on police to take tough action on rowdy teenagers in the area.

A parent, who had intended to drop off her daughter at the party in Sandy Lane, told police that the venue, which is owned by North Baddesley Parish Council, was full of underage youngsters, who were drinking.

A 16-year-old boy was taken to Southampton General Hospital and treated for the effects of excess alcohol.

Police also found just one adult, a 50-year-old North Baddesley woman, in charge of the large group. It is understood she had organised the party on Wednesday night.

Large quantities of cider, beer, lager and spirits were found and seized.

Many residents told how they had heard and seen a large group of up to 40 teenagers in the area. One, Noelene Watson, said: “It was noticeably loud. I looked and saw all these teenagers wandering about.”

It is not the first time this year police have broken up a large group of young people in North Baddesley. In August they were called to Rownhams Road where up to 70 youths were involved in a brawl.

Alan Dowden, county councillor for Baddesley, said he found the latest incident “disturbing” and said the consequences could have been more serious.

“If these sorts of events are taking place there needs to be a crackdown on it,” he said.

He also called on parents to take more responsibility for their children’s actions.

Romsey Inspector Jackie Willson said the incident raised “serious concerns”

and that there had not been enough adult supervision for the number of youngsters present.

She said police had been faced with shepherding a large group of intoxicated young people away from the area and ensuring they returned home safely.

She urged parents to make sure they knew what events their children were attending.

North Baddesley Parish Council’s clerk confirmed that the correct procedure was followed with regard to leasing the pavilion and an agreement was signed by both parties, which states that the building cannot be used for any illegal activity.