A Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) on the Isle of Wight is working with the National Trust and the community on a project to clean up the effects of inconsiderate behaviour affecting land with protected status.

PCSO Stuart Woods from the Sandown Bay Safer Neighbourhoods team (SNT) responded to reports of irresponsible drinking and criminal damage in the Red Cliff area of Culver and Bembridge Downs, which is owned by the National Trust.

This location appeared more popular as a place to drink and host parties this year. Visitors, dog walkers and local residents expressed concern about litter and damage, which included broken glass, broken fences, and fires.

Tackling this type of anti-social behaviour remains a top priority for the police after a reduction of more than 600 incidents across the whole Island between July and September compared to the same three months in 2008. The Sandown Bay Safer Neighbourhoods team patrolled Culver and Bembridge Downs to confiscate alcohol from groups of people.

PCSO Stuart Woods worked with students, parents, local schools, the National Trust, the Sandown & Shanklin Lions Club, the Sandown & Lake Observers, and Isle of Wight Council to organise the latest in a series of clean up operations.

David Mears, South Wight Warden for the National Trust, said: 

“The two main issues are fires and litter. The chalk grassland is species rich because it is nutrient poor. Fires not only damage the turf and soil structure, but they add nutrients to the ground which are detrimental to the chalk grassland species. A fire site can take 15 to 20 years to recover back to good quality chalk grassland. Litter causes problems for wildlife, livestock and people. Food rubbish can be eaten by livestock, which choke on the indigestible material. Glass can start fires, trap small creatures, and when bottles are broken, they can injure both people and animals.”

PCSO Stuart Woods of the Sandown Bay Safer Neighbourhoods team said:

“Groups of people with alcohol near tall cliffs was not a good mix for their safety, and there is a minority who need to understand how their behaviour can affect the protected natural environment. Mattresses, tents, clothes and aerosol cans were among the items found discarded and burnt. This project is all about the community working together to increase awareness and respect for where we live. I would like to thank those involved for all their time and efforts in helping to improve confidence in one of the Island’s most beautiful locations.”

Police encourage people to report anti-social behaviour by phoning 101. In an emergency, phone 999. Find out more about your local Safer Neighbourhoods team by going online to www.hampshire.police.uk and typing in your postcode.