Keswick’s mayor has branded a group of local youngsters as “yobs” and reported them to police after being shocked by a string of anti-social incidents.
Bottles of booze were smashed and left at Derwentwater and in Fitz Park, while passers-by who confronted them were subjected to abusive language, says Paul Titley.
“It is becoming a real pain. I’ve no problem with youngsters sneaking off into the woods to drink a few cans of beer. We’ve all done that as part of growing up.
“But this is different. These are what we used to call ‘yobs’ and it is wrong.
“What we didn’t do was trash the countryside and leave litter and smashed bottles of beer and glass for dogs to cut themselves on and endangering swimmers coming in and out of the lake. That is beyond a joke.
“It is not very clever at all – and these people are not visitors. These people live here and their parents live here.What the hell is going on?”
He said the problem was worst at the Isthmus on Derwentwater, adding: “I know the police are on the case – but there are not many of them (officers) in Keswick.
“I spoke to the local inspector and a local constable and they are well aware of what is going on and who some of the individuals are as well.”
The problem has also been picked up by local resident Chris Kirk, who claimed that the anti-social behaviour had spread to violence involving two girls attacking another, which had been filmed by boys on mobile phones, and even attacks on animals.
Mr Kirk posted an online message to say: “Seems like the lawless town that has become Keswick needs action.
“Gangs of youths killing defenceless animals for kicks. Threats of stabbings in the play park. Rugby club stand smashed up.
“I was no angel in my youth by any stretch of the imagination but wouldn’t have carried on like this. Dennis the old copper would clout you round the head and send you home before he called your parents.
“The sound of the black Mariah sent us scarpering in all directions. Keswick needs police. Every town needs police.
“There’s an epidemic of crime and anti-social behaviour ripping through our community. It’s high time councillors took action and done their job. acting for the community.”
Councillor Tony Lywood is Keswick’s representative on Cumbria County Council.
He said: “There is indeed a group of local lads that are causing issues and the mayor has passed this on to the police.”
- Coun Titley’s year as mayor ends next month when, according to normal convention, the current deputy mayor Coun David Burn would have been expected to step up. However, Coun Burn has withdrawn his nomination after it emerged that another councillor, who the Keswick Reminder understands is fellow independent Coun Alan Dunn, has put his name forward as a nominee to become mayor. In a letter to Keswick Town Council, Coun Burn wrote: “The convention is there for good reason, but a fellow councillor has chosen not to respect it – as is his right.” Coun Dunn declined to comment. Coun Allan Daniels is due to be nominated deputy mayor.
