More than 80 suspected drug and alcohol users were moved from Hyde Park by Greater Manchester Police on Tuesday night.
Though the gates were locked at 6.45pm by the police, the park, which is situated on Park Lane, Hyde, played host to the enormous group before being moved by officers.
Gangs of young people have been known to congregate in the park over the past few weeks, but a spokesman from GMP Tameside South said that the sheer number there last night prompted an urgent response.
“Hyde Park is currently a hot spot for police in in relation to antisocial behaviour,” he said.
“Youths from across Tameside have been coming to Hyde Park, and they’re usually good on the whole, though we have had some cases of assault as well as drinking and smoking cannabis.”
After being dispersed, the group moved on. However, the spokesman said if there were any more problems dispersal orders would be released.
When the police released information regarding the occurrence on their Facebook page, the public were quick to respond.
Hyde resident Suzanne McLarren said: “Having experienced the behaviour of these children in the park, they are scary and make you worry about your safety. Smashing bottles and drinking, this isn’t just the lads but the girls as well.”
Martin Brannigan, an HGV driver, said: “Everyone says they need something to do. What did we have? There is nothing less now than there was when I was a kid. They just think they can do what they want wherever they want and stuff everyone else.”
Dukinfield resident, Janet Hawley-Brierley, said: “[My children] are only allowed out for organised activities. They are never allowed to roam the streets, and I always know where they are and what time they’ll be back.”
Tameside residents Neil Porter said: “Be responsible for your own child and give them something to do. It’s not society’s responsibility to look after your children it’s yours.”
Andrea Porter, also from Tameside, said: “I have kids and to blame the police because they’ve turned into vandals, arsonists, muggers, and drug addicts is wrong. I have no problem with kids hanging out, I did that myself. But there is no need for antisocial behaviour just because they’re bored.”
Picture courtesy of Bernhard Benke via Flickr, with thanks.
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