Police patrol Hailsham beauty spot after spate of anti-social behaviour in the area

Hailsham Town Council officials said on Tuesday (May 26) they are working with police and PCSOs to deal with issues at the Common Pond site.

Recent incidents, according to the council, include people ‘flouting’ social distancing rules, drinking in the area, injuries to wildlife, fires being started and the open space being used as a toilet.

The pond warden said, “During routine checks and recent monitoring of the pond, I’ve seen large groups of people assembling on site and in such instances, social distancing is not being practiced.

“Despite not being permitted on site, some people have also been seen fishing.”

Hailsham Town Council said Sussex Police is aware the area has been a hotspot for illegal activities and anti-social behaviour recently, and the force continues to patrol the area ‘as often as they can’.

Town mayor Paul Holbrook said, “When visiting the Common Pond, and indeed any other public open space in Hailsham, I urge residents to obey all social distancing rules currently in place.

“The public are also reminded that fishing is not allowed at the pond, and any antisocial behaviour and illegal activities such as drug-taking or injury to animals will be reported to the police immediately.

“We are working with local police to clamp down on the recent spate of anti-social and illegal activity on the Common Pond site.”

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