A POPULAR area in Tavistock is being ‘abused’ by anti-social behaviour, says a local councillor.

Crowndale football pitches have long been the target of vandalism, including littering, grass damage and glass being smashed at the site.

Tavistock town councillor Allen Lewis recently took to social media to express his anger at the site once again being abused by people having parties and using illegal substances on the site.

He said: ‘The pitches at Crowndale are being abused. People are having parties, smoking cannabis and leaving all their rubbish behind. Children play on those pitches.

‘I half fill an industrial sized bin with rubbish from the pitches every week. We’re [the football club] cleaning it up and paying to get rid of it.

‘I am so disappointed — how can people disrespect such a lovely place?’

Cllr Lewis added that a grant was being sought for CCTV cameras as the situation has ‘got out of hand’.

Police are conducting regular patrols on the pitches to deter future anti-social behaviour.

A Tavistock police spokesperson said: ‘Police are conducting pro-active patrols as there has been use of illegal substances and anti-social behaviour in the area. There are some youngsters that are using the area to play football and enjoy the green space but some are damaging it with their anti-social behaviour.’

Cllr Lewis added: ‘This season it is hoped disability footballers will enjoy this lovely facility — I really hope this message gets through. It’s actually becoming more difficult to be polite on this issue.’

• Crowndale football pitches were officially opened in 2010 and have since been run by Tavistock Community Football Club.