Testwood Lakes nature reserve plagued by anti-social acts

A meeting held to discuss problems at Testwood Lakes, Totton, was attended by police officers and representatives from several organisations including Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, which runs the site.

The huge lakes are used by 4th Eling Sea Scouts and the charity Testwood Lakes Sailability.

Police are vowing to crack down on anti-social behaviour at Testwood Lakes nature reserve. Picture: Hampshire police.

A police spokesperson said: "It was good to discuss some of the issues we and the wildlife trust have had to deal with this year and put plans in place.

“Since the beginning of May there have been 17 incidents including anti-social behaviour, public order and assault.

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“These incidents have involved youths from the local and surrounding areas, as well as families that attend the lakes.

“We are in the process of trying to resolve issues. However, we need the public to be vigilant at the lakes and report any anti-social behaviour."

The meeting followed a similar discussion at a meeting of Totton and Eling Town Council.

Cllr David Harrison said it was "heartbreaking" to hear about incidents in which volunteers working for various organisations had been threatened and abused by youths.

Councillors heard that large groups of youths had wrecked equipment owned by the Sea Scouts as well as throwing stones and firing catapults at their building.

"A Sea Scout leader told us she hadn't slept for three nights worrying about what will happen next," said Cllr Harrison.

"Another volunteer, who helps people with learning difficulties experience the joys of sailing, told us she was worried about how some of his customers would react if they were targeted in the same way. This is an intolerable situation and cannot be allowed to continue."

In 2020 the vehicles access gates at Testwood Lakes nature reserve were locked after a spate of incidents.

In 2020 police were issued with a Section 35 dispersal order after trouble at the site, including one of the boats owned by Sea Scouts being sunk.

The order enabled officers to compel people to leave the area for at least 48 hours or risk arrest and prosecution.

Earlier that year the Trust was forced to lock the vehicle access gates after a wave of vandalism, littering and threats to staff.

Speaking at the time a Trust spokesperson said: "We have recently seen a significant increase in the number of visitors to the site and a high level of anti-social behaviour.
"We would like to thank the majority of our visitors who respect the reserve, and apologise for the inconvenience of the lack of vehicle access."

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