A popular beauty spot could be forced to close if anti-social behaviour continues, a councillor has warned.
Testwood Lakes in Totton has been subject to littering once again after the recent sunny weather.
Police in the area say groups of youths have been “misbehaving” – leaving their rubbish strewn across the grass and sparking fears the site might shut.
READ MORE: Visitors to Testwood Lakes near Southampton warned of toxic algae
Totton councillor, David Harrison told the Daily Echo: “Southern Water has been quite generous giving access for people to land where they don’t have to and the more difficulties they have, there might even come a point when they say they’re going to close the site.
“I hope that never happens. The important thing with Testwood Lakes is it’s a nature reserve. Over the years from time to time we’ve experienced problems with anti-social behaviour.
“The scouts particularly were upset last week because they were subject to young people throwing stones at them and being abused and they obviously felt really threatened by this behaviour.
“It’s frustrating that it just seems to happen again and again.”
Cllr Harrison said one solution may be to hire a full-time warden to man the site, a suggestion echoed by fellow Totton councillor, Arthur Davis.
He said the issue “keeps rearing its ugly head”.
“It’s a shame it’s getting damaged in this way. It needs security guards over there all the time, especially with the hot weather.
“The police go in there but they can’t maintain a presence for very long. It’s a very difficult situation that’s grieving all the people that love Testwood Lakes.
“It’s a lovely area being spoilt by the few.”
In the past, an order had to be put in place to disperse people from the site.
READ MORE: Dispersal order at Testwood Lakes, Totton
In a social media post, a police spokesperson said: “Over the last few days we have seen an increase in misbehaving youths in and around Testwood Lakes.
“They have caused issues for the local Sea Scouts and other users of the lakes. We take this seriously and have increased patrols in the area.
“Some of these youths have decided that leaving rubbish was a good idea as they couldn't be bothered to carry it home.
“If you know your child has been to the lakes in the last week can you please remind them not to litter and that ASB will not be tolerated.”
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