Youths smash their way into lockdown games area in village near Horsham

It is the latest in a string of incidents at a multi-use games area - MUGA - at the back of The Ghyll leisure centre in Southwater.

Southwater Parish Council says it has had several incidents of youths congregating in the area and five ‘robust’ locks have now been sawn off - two on the same day.

A spokesman said: “This is a cost to the public purse to keep replacing locks to ensure Southwater Parish Council complies with current regulations and guidelines from Central Government.”

In a post on the council’s website, the spokesman added: “These crimes have all been reported to the police.

“Five locks have now been cut off and an attempt to cut through the outer wire of the MUGA as well as other internal damage.

“Whoever is causing this is intent on repeating the crime. Therefore we have now had to leave the gates open.

“It is a person’s own responsibility to stay safe and adhere to the guidelines, crowds are being policed and our Wardens are also patrolling and looking out, ready to advise on any unsafe gatherings.”

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