Yobs cause churchyard mess

THE rector of Uckfield has spoken out about gangs of yobs who have been leaving a trail of debris and damage in the churchyard.

The Rev Brian Wilcox this week told the Sussex Express that youths congregating at weekends in Holy Cross churchyard had left church property vandalised. He added that the youngsters, some of whom are under age, leave behind empty vodka and whisky bottles, and even used condoms.

Mr Wilcox revealed that the lych gate in Church Street had suffered repeated attacks of vandalism. He said that roof tiles at the entrance to the churchyard had been smashed and broken, while the gate itself had to be removed after youths had swung on it so many times the hinges began to break away.

He added that grafitti had been daubed on the lych gate memorial inscription, and youths who have recently begun gathering at the other end of the churchyard had wrenched memorial seats from their fastenings.

Mr Wilcox said: 'We have been having a large number of youths congregating around the churchyard for some time. Some of them are under age they have to be.

'The litter and debris they leave behind shows no respect for where they are congregating. I have got to clear up the mess myself. Unless we want people to come to the church on a Sunday and see the churchyard littered with empty whisky and vodka bottles, condoms and cigarettes, you have got to clear it up yourself.

In a letter to the Express, Mr Wilcox suggested that finding ways to keep young people occupied as featured in the Express last week would be of little use. He said: 'While I wish the Uckfield Youth Trust well in their search for providing ways of occupying problem groups of youngsters, I have to say PC Keith Mates (police schools liaison officer) has correctly identified the problem, which simply stated is that no matter what activities or venues are offered, what the youngsters really want to do is to congregate in groups and drink.

'The churchyard is being turned into a no-go area for those intimidated by groups of youngsters. When I have asked the question what do young people want, the answer I get is in terms of just a place to meet and be with friends. Drinking and smoking are seen to be the essentials of life.

l Letter: Page 6